Association of Tobacco Smoking with Systemic Co-Morbidities among Patients Seeking for Dental Care Services: Across Section Study

Abstract

Background: Smoking is a common risk factor for chronic diseases, including cancer, lung diseases and cardiovascular disease. The adverse effects of tobacco smoking on oral health are well documented. This includes common and rare conditions of benign to life-threatening diseases such as bad breath, discoloration of teeth and dental restorations, taste and smell disorders , periodontal disease , oral mucosal lesions such as smoker's melanosis and smoker's palate, potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer . Aim of the Study: To verify associated of the smoking with systemic dissase among patients seeking for dental health care Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study performed at the dental and maxillofacial unit in AL-Sader Teaching hospital, Al-Najaf city the data were collected during a period of four months, starting 1st March to the 1st June 2019. Target population: study participants were selected by systemic random sampling patients attended Al Sader Teaching hospital at maxillofacial unit according to special criteria. Results: A total of 400 participants were enrolled in this study , their age ranged 18 – 65 years, no significant difference had been found regarding the age distribution between smokers and non-smokers sub groups, (P>0.05). No significant association was found between smoking and residence, (P>0.05). A significant association was found between occupation and smoking status , where unemployed were the dominant among smokers, contributed for 52.9%, compared to other occupations, (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Significant associated with observed between oral disease and cigarette smoking among patient seeking oral health care.