Effects of Tobacco Chewing on Periodontal Health in Parsa, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Tobacco chewing in Nepal has been a part of cultural rituals in different since ages. The tobacco products and by-products are detrimental to oral as well as systemic health. Objectives: The objective of the study was to ascertain the causative effect of chewing tobacco in the periodontal health and to alert the society about the deleterious effects of the chewing tobacco. Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 patients visiting the outpatient department of periodontology and oral implantology. The total study population was divided into two groups: tobacco user and nonuser. The study population was further re-categorized based on the duration of tobacco chewing into two groups. Periodontal health status of the participants was assessed using plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment loss, and probing depth. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the difference among the outcome variables. Results: Median score of PI was 1.32 (0.66–2.04), GI was 1.33 (0.70–2.06), CAL was 1.46 (0.98–2.10), and PD was 1.22 (0.59–1.86). The difference in PI, GI, CAL, and PD scores was statistically significant when compared among tobacco users and nonusers (P < 0.001) There was statistically significant difference in PI, GI, CAL, and PD when compared among the patients of age group ≤35 years and >35 years (P < 0.001) and the tobacco users consuming tobacco for ≤10 years and >10 years (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study revealed a direct impact of tobacco chewing on the periodontal health, with the severity of symptoms increased with the age and duration of the habit.