Frequency of oral mucosal lesions among tobacco chewers: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: An assortment of oral mucosal sores and conditions is related with the propensity for smoking and biting tobacco, and a large number of these convey a potential hazard for the advancement of disease. There have been no examinations that report the commonness of propensities and related oral changes in the populace in Dharwad district, Karnataka, South India. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of frequency, duration, and type of chewable tobacco products on the incidence and severity of oral lesions (leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and tobacco-induced lichenoid reaction) among the users in North Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was carried out at SDM Dental College (Dharwad, Karnataka). A total number of 90 subjects (30 patients with OSMF, 30 patients with leukoplakia, and 30 patients with tobacco-induced lichenoid reaction) attending the dental hospital were interviewed and examined by trained professionals to assess any oral mucosal changes. Results: Oral mucosal lesions were found in all the subjects who had tobacco chewing habits. Of 90 patients (65 males and 25 females), 40 patients had a habit of chewing betel quid with tobacco (44%) and 20 patients were gutkha chewers (22%) followed by 20 patients with a habit of chewing betel quid with areca nut (22%) and 10 patients with a habit of chewing pan masala (10%). The present study showed a higher frequency OSMF in patients with gutkha chewing habits (90%), whereas patients who had a habit of chewing tobacco with betel quid had more changes of leukoplakia (70%). It was also found that patients who had habit of chewing pan masala and betel quid with areca nut had more changes of lichenoid reaction. In the present study, we found that of all the 90 patients, 70% of the patients (63 patients) were asymptomatic, whereas 30% of the patients (27 patients) were symptomatic having complains of burning sensation (23 patients) and restricted mouth opening (4 patients). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the danger of the advancement of oral lesions related with tobacco chewing is very high. The study fortifies the relationship of OSF with gutkha and areca nut biting while leukoplakia was normal in subjects who had a propensity for biting tobacco with betel quid that the risk of the development of oral lesions associated with tobacco chewing is quite high. The study reinforces the association of OSF with gutkha and areca nut chewing, whereas leukoplakia was common in subjects who had a habit of chewing tobacco with betel quid.