Oral Health and Nicotine dependence in Tobacco Users visiting a Dental Institution in North India: Oral Health and Nicotine dependence in Tobacco Users

Abstract

Objective: The cross-sectional study was intended to evaluate the oral health and nicotine dependence among tobacco users.

Material & Methods: Fagerstorm Nicotine Dependence scale was used to estimate nicotine dependence and clinically oral examination was performed in recording the dentition status, oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal health. Descriptive statistics was computed using mean, percentage and standard deviation. Association was estimated using Independent T Test, One-way ANOVA and Chi-square test.  Binary logistic regression and multiple regression analysis was used in inferential statistics.

Results:

In general 55.3% had dental caries, followed by 92.6 % having gingivitis and 7.4% had clinical attachment  loss. Mean DMF was 2.60 (± 3.88) and the subjects mean oral hygiene score was 3.49(± 1.11). The mean DMF score of tobacco users worsened with increasing age. Current smokers were 1.07times more pre disposed to get dental caries than former smokers and smokeless tobacco chewers  had higher odds of 1.060 times to fall susceptible to dental caries than those smoking tobacco. The oral hygiene of significantly dependent nicotine  users was statistically significant p< 0.00 in  contrast to moderately dependent nicotine users. Smoking status and nicotine dependence significantly predicted DMF score in multiple regression.

Conclusion: Tobacco cessation practices require effective enforcement to minimize the burden of nicotine dependence.