Prevalence Of Tobacco Associated Oral Mucosal Lesions In A Private Hospital- A Retrospective Study

Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence and distribution of tobacco associated oral mucosal lesions in a private hospital and the effect of tobacco usage on the mucosal changes. Background: Prevalence study of oral mucosal lesions in the Chennai population is important to assess their current distribution status. Oral mucosal lesions usually present as abnormal alterations in colour, surface texture, or loss of integrity of the oral mucosa. Oral potentially malignant disorders are of particular importance as they may progress into malignancy.Materials And Methods: A retrospective study of all cases of oral mucosal lesions seen between 2019 and 2021. Demographic data, clinical data and tobacco habits were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20, and the mean, frequency, and percentage were calculated.Results: Among 71807 outpatients who reported to the dental college, 28863 (40.19%) patients were diagnosed with oral mucosal lesions. Out of all the oral mucosal lesions, tobacco associated lesions were 28.81% (8314) and were most common in males. The most common tobacco related oral lesions in males were leukoplakia (37.29%) followed by oral submucous fibrosis (30.08%). The most common tobacco associated lesions in females were oral submucous fibrosis (3.01%).Conclusion: We conclude that the dental practitioner should have adequate awareness and knowledge about the diagnosis and management of oral lesions. 37.85% of oral mucosal lesions were potentially malignant disorders and use of tobacco products increased the risk for oral mucosal changes.