Effect of smoking and dental fluorosis as environmental risk factors in periodontal disease — An observational study

Abstract

To assess the periodontal status of smokers and non-smokers in dental fluorosis subjects from endemic water fluoride areas of Davangere district, Karnataka. A stratified random sample study (n=338) was performed to obtain an equal number of subjects in tobacco and non-tobacco users. Participants had similar perceived oral health status (including self-reports of bleeding gums, loose teeth, and receding gums) low to medium socioeconomic status, and education. The sample for the present study on the tobacco effect consisted of 338 subjects aged 15-74 years. The periodontal status was assessed by clinical parameters Oral Hygiene Index — Simplified (OHI-S), Jackson’s Fluorosis Index (JFI), Community Periodontal Index Treatment Needs (CPITN). Overall, periodontitis is significantly higher among smokers as compared to non-smokers. Although dental fluorosis is a risk factor compared in relation to age, sex was statistically not significant. OHI-S, JFI, and CPITN show statistical significance among smokers and tobacco chewers. The risk determinants such as age, sex followed by risk factors such as smoking and oral hygiene status for periodontal disease would make no difference from high to low fluoride areas but the current study concept on tobacco use in dental fluorosis subjects is thought-provoking and has to be considered in further studies.