Awareness About Effects Of Smoking On Oral Health Among Smokers - A Questionnaire Study

Background: The adverse effects of tobacco smoking on oral health are well documented. This includes impaired wound healing, periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions and also benign and malignant oral diseases. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the awareness about effects of smoking on oral health among smokers. Materials and Methods: This survey was carried out among 100 out-patients reporting to Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu for treatment were selected randomly. Those who smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and smokes till date were only included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of seven questions were administered to all the study participants. The filled-up questionnaires were then collected and the responses were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, Version 23. Frequency distribution and percentage were calculated. Results: Among 100 study subjects, 65% were aware that smoking affects general health. However, only 43% and 45% were aware that it affects oral health and causes gum diseases respectively. 70% were aware that smoking causes staining of teeth and 50% were aware that smoking causes bad breath. 71% and 82% were aware that it causes oral lesions and oral cancer respectively. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the smokers were aware about the effects of smoking on oral health. Even though the smokers were aware, they were continuing to smoke. These findings should alert the clinicians that in routine practice, health education and evidence based smoking cessation counselling programs should be incorporated for smokers.