Analysis of smoking habits in patients with varying grades of smoker′s palate in South Western region of Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Tobacco is a known carcinogenic substance and a significant risk factor for the development of various oral mucosal lesions. Objective: To evaluate the smoking habits in patients with varying grades of smoker′s palate depending on type of smoking, duration, and its frequency of use. Material and methods: Total 50 individuals above 20 years of age with smoking habits were included in study. The duration, frequency of smoking habits (cigratte/beedi) and palatal lesions were noted. The lesions were then classified in to different grades of smokers palate. The data was tabulated and statistically analysed. Results: The present study conducted in South Western region of Maharashtra reveals that in smokers, the type of smoking practiced is mostly cigarette than beedi, the grades increase with increase in duration and frequency too increases with grades. Conclusion: In our study, cigarette smoking was more commonly practiced than beedi. The grades of smoker′s palate progress with longer duration of smoking habit and higher frequency. Early detection and screening of smokers are very important to stop the progression of initial mucosal changes to potentially malignant disorders.

Keywords

• Habit
• smoker′s palate
• tobacco