Awareness Regarding Impact of Tobacco on Oral Health: An Original Study

INTRODUCTION: The use of tobacco in all forms is increasing day by day globally causing its ill effects on oral as well as overall health of the people and affecting their sense of well-being and quality of life. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was done to investigate among patients the awareness of tobacco use and its ill effects on oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. RRK Dental College and Hospital, Akola. A total of 297 patients were asked using a self-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of a total of 297 patients participating in the study, 48 (16.2%) were female and 248 (83.8%) were male. About 81.7% of the patients were aware that heart problems can be one of the ill effects of tobacco chewing, while 3.7% were still not sure about it. CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients had a knowledge about the impact of tobacco on oral health.