Prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and clinical oral leukoplakia in a military population.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and clinical leukoplakia in a specific military population. Two hundred fourteen soldiers participated in this study. Each participant completed a questionnaire-type survey regarding tobacco use and received an annual-type dental examination that included extra-oral and intra-oral examination of hard and soft tissues and counseling regarding the risks associated with the use of tobacco. More than 50% of the participants were between the ages of 18 and 24. Survey response indicated that 7.0% used smokeless tobacco, 29.0% smoked cigarettes, and 7.9% used both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Leukoplakia was seen in 4 of the current smokeless tobacco users. Difficulty in cessation was experienced by 10 of 32 smokeless tobacco users; 5 continue to use smokeless tobacco. Due to the concentration of users in the 18 to 24 age group, efforts toward detection and reduction of smokeless tobacco use should be focused on junior ranks and younger age groups.