Influence of tobacco dependence on caries development in young male adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: A definite cause and effect relationship between tobacco use and caries are lacking in literature. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the influence of tobacco dependence on caries development in young male adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred healthy adult males in the age group of 20–40 years were divided into three groups containing 100 participants each. Group A: participants using smokeless tobacco; Group B: participants who smoke tobacco; and Group C: participants who have never used tobacco. Their dependence on tobacco was assessed using the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence. Their dental caries status was assessed using decayed-missing-filled teeth/decayed-missing-filled surfaces (DMFT/DMFS) index adopted by the WHO (1987). Observations were statistically analyzed using Mann–Whitney test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean DMFT/DMFS was significantly higher for Groups A and B as compared to Group C. Within Group A, mean DMFT/DMFS increased significantly with increased dependence on smokeless tobacco. Within Group B, highest DMFT/DMFS was found in participants with low dependence on smoked tobacco while least mean DMFT/DMFS was found in participants with high dependence. CONCLUSION: Both forms of tobacco proved to be a significant risk factor for increased caries development. Thus, tobacco use should be an important factor in caries risk assessment of patients.