Evaluation of Oral Changes Among Tobacco Users of Aljouf Province, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

To know the prevalence of tobacco associated changes among male population of Aljouf province of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 536 male subjects with positive history of tobacco habits. All the participants were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding the habit details and were examined clinically for the oral changes.

RESULTS

Majority of the subjects used tobacco in smoked form (69.0%). Out of the 536 patients with tobacco smoking and chewing habits 72% showed changes in oral mucosa. Smokers melanosis (43.28%) was the most commonly observed oral change followed by leukoedema (27.05%) and smoker's palate (22.76%). Leukoplakia (3.17%) was the most commonly seen premalignant lesion.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the fact that use of tobacco can be positively correlated to the occurrence of various benign, premalignant and malignant oral changes. This study aids in creating awareness among the public regarding the deleterious effects of tobacco and may motivate them for cessation of tobacco use.