Abstract
Background and objectives: Studies on effects of smokeless tobacco (ST) use on the periodontium are limited
and have, received less attention. The aim of the present split mouth study is to
evaluate the periodontal parameters and oral hygiene status of sites associated with
smokeless tobacco (ST) placement and compares the corresponding parameters on the
contralateral site, where smokeless tobacco is not placed (NST).
Methods: Study population: 25 subjects were selected from A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of
Dental Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangalore. Written informed consent was taken from all
the participants. Oral cavity of each subject was divided into two sites Smokeless
tobacco (ST) site and Non-smokeless tobacco (NST) site.
Screening examination included: Clinical examination of ST keratosis: the location,
size, and specific teeth adjacent to the ST keratosis were recorded. Simplified Oral
Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Gingival Index. Periodontal parameters-Probing depth (PD),
Clinical attachment level, total number of teeth present in the mouth and number of
teeth with attrition were recorded.
Results: Of the 25 subjects, mean OHI-S and gingival index was 2.76 and 1.36 respectively.
Mean clinical attachment level was 2.78 (p- <0.001), number of teeth with recession
and attrition was 3.36 and 3.04 respectively, all in favour of the ST site.
Interpretation and Conclusion: The smokeless tobacco site showed significantly greater gingival recession, attachment
loss and periodontal deterioration when compared to nonsmokeless tobacco site.
Keywords
Clinical attachment loss - Gingival recession, NST-site: Non smokeless tobacco site
- Smokeless tobacco keratosis - STsite: smokeless tobacco site