PREVALENCE OF TYPE OF CHEWING TOBACCO ASSOCIATED WITH OSMF IN PATIENTS REPORTED IN A PRIVATE DENTAL INSTITUTION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic premalignant condition affecting the oral cavity. Initially causing mild pain or discomfort it ultimately leads to trismus and oral cancer. It is strongly associated with tobacco habits and reversible in early stages if the habit is ceased, however severe OSMF cannot be reversed. Aim:This study aimed to assess the prevalence of types of chewing tobacco associated with oral submucous fibrosis in patients reporting in a hospital setting. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in a retrospective manner among patients reporting to Saveetha Dental College between the period of June 2019 to March 2020. A sample size of 89 patients was obtained of which 92% were male and 8 % were females, the data was collected and tabulated using Excel sheets and statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software. The data was analysed using frequency distribution test and Chi square test for which a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Association between age and gender with type of tobacco was done to reveal a p value >0.05 which is statistically not significant. Result: The present study reveals paan is the most frequently used tobacco product followed by areca nuts at 40% and 28% respectively and that males are more affected by OSMF when compared to females. The study further reveals males had a higher paan use when compared to females who show an equal tendency to use areca nut and paan. Conclusion: Thus present study reveals that paan is the most prevalent tobacco product as 40% and males are more prone to OSMF with male: female ratio of 11.5:1.