A comparative assessment of caries risk using cariogram among smokers and smokeless tobacco users in india – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

A dearth of literature exists concerning utilization of the unique cariogram model for caries risk assessment in tobacco users. To assess & compare caries risk among smokers & smokeless tobacco users using Cariogram model. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among smokers and smokeless tobacco users of Udaipur for 3 months. Caries risk assessment was done by employing a survey proforma based on the Cariogram model. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test followed by Marascuilo procedure and Stepwise multiple linear regression with 95% confidence interval and 5% significance level. Majority of the smokers (56%) portrayed high caries risk (less chance to avoid new caries) followed by smokeless Tobacco users (34%). Only 40% smokeless tobacco users had relatively high chances (>60%) of avoiding future new caries. The susceptibility sector of the cariogram model contributed primarily to caries risk in the study population. The study findings from the different cariogram elements converged to indicate that smokers were at maximum caries risk, followed by smokeless tobacco users and therefore Cariogram model could be a useful tool to represent caries risk among smokers and smokeless tobacco users.