Tobacco habits & Oral Health-A cross-sectional study

Background: More people use tobacco today than any other time in history. Tobacco is among the most addictive product known and tobacco dependence is progressive, chronic and relapsing disorder. Aim: To assess various tobacco habits, periodontal health & awareness regarding Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COPTA). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Jamnagar. Patients present to public health department were enrolled for the study. Total 300 patients were enrolled during period of 1st July to 31st August, 2014 Questionnaire related to smokeless and smoking tobacco habits, periodontal status evaluation, presence of oral lesions, awareness about COTPA and willingness to quit the habit were asked to patients. Results: Smokeless tobacco habit practiced more (72.33%) than smoked tobacco (22.33%) while 5.33% patients used both the products. Again, among Smoke Less Tobacco (SLT), Mawa chewing was more prevalent (52.33%) among smokeless tobacco habit whereas Bidi smoking was more prevalent (19%) amongst smoked tobacco habit. Periodontal disease was present in almost all (98.6%) patients. About 73.67% patients did not know anything about COTPA 2003. Total 88.67% patients were willing to quit the habit but 64.67% patients didn‟t know who could help them to quit. Conclusion: More prevalent tobacco habits were Mawa chewing and Bidi smoking. Periodontal condition was jeopardized among tobacco users. Majority of them were unaware of COTPA. Most of them were willing to quit tobacco habits but they did not know from where to seek the help