Smokeless Tobacco Habit Research Articles

An Exploratory Research Comparing Oral Health, Pattern of Substance Abuse and Nicotine Dependence among LGBT, Female Sex Workers and Heterogenders.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), female sex workers (FSW), and heterogenders are those unconventional groups of the society who are identified with major unacceptance. Thus, the present study is conducted to assess and compare the oral health status, substance abuse pattern and nicotine dependence using Fagerstrom nicotine dependence scale (FNDP) among the LGBTQ, FSW, and heterogender in a defined location of Gautam Buddha Nagar, district in West U.P. The present exploratory research included three study groups, the LGBTQ, FSW, and heterogenders (HG) residing in the same habitat. Purposive snowball sampling was conducted for the accessibility of the unapproachable population in the defined geographical location at Gautam Budha Nagar, district in West Uttar Pradesh. The data collection of a total of 177 participants was done using a pre-validated, pretested proforma consisting of three different parts including WHO oral health assessment form for adults, 2013, questionnaire regarding pattern of substance abuse and FNDS. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed using SPSS. Prevalence of oral health disorders including dental caries, periodontal disease as well as oral mucosal lesions were more commonly found among the LGBTQ participants followed by FSW and the differences were found to be statistically significant. In context of altered habits, 100% of the participants in the present study were reported with smokeless tobacco habits whereas majority of the FSW were reported with a habit of smoking tobacco. In addition to belonging to ethnic and sexual minority, and having minimal or low education status, and low socioeconomic status, the present study groups are reported to have suboptimal access to quality healthcare and are further reported with high level of substance abuse as well as nicotine dependence. The present study is an attempt to provide base line data for further research and provide data to the policy makers so as to increase the healthcare access to the present groups. How to cite this article: Sharma S, Shukla S, Kamate SK, et al. An Exploratory Research Comparing Oral Health, Pattern of Substance Abuse and Nicotine Dependence among LGBT, Female Sex Workers and Heterogenders. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):991-997.

Differential Expression Profile of Salivary oncomiRNAs among Smokeless Tobacco Users.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of selected salivary oncomiRNAs among smokeless tobacco users and nonsmokers. Twenty-five subjects with chronic smokeless tobacco habit (> 1 year) and 25 nonsmokers were selected for this study. MicroRNA was extracted from saliva samples using the miRNeasy Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). The forward primers used in the reactions include hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-146a-3p, hsa-miR-155-3p, and hsa-miR-199a-3p. Relative expression of miRNAs was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Fold change is calculated by raising 2 to the power of the negative ΔΔCT value. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 5 software. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The four tested miRNAs were found overexpressed in saliva of subjects with smokeless tobacco habit when compared with saliva from nontobacco users. miR-21 expression was 3.74 ± 2.26 folds higher among subjects with smokeless tobacco habit compared to nontobacco users (p < 0.01). The expression for miR-146a (5.56 ± 8.3 folds; p < 0.05), miR-155 (8.06 ± 23.4 folds; p < 0.0001) and miR-199a (14.39 ± 30.3 folds; p < 0.05) was significantly higher among subjects with smokeless tobacco habit. Smokeless tobacco leads to salivary overexpression of the miRs 21, 146a, 155, and 199a. Monitoring the levels of these four oncomiRs may provide insight about the future development of oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially in patients with smokeless tobacco habits.

Prevalence and Determinants of Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco in the Rural Population of Karnataka, India

Background: Tobacco is known as a major cause of various preventable non-communicable diseases and kills half of all its users. With a greater prevalence in the rural community compared to the urban, this global health burden is substantially malignant. This study aimed to bridge the gap in the lack of adequate statistical information pertaining to prevalence and determinants of smoking and smokeless tobacco use in the rural population of Karnataka.Subjects and Method: This randomized community interventional study was conducted in primary health center areas of Karnataka, India. A total of 4,576 persons were interviewed (2,087 males and 2,489 females). Subjects ?30 years of age and residents for a minimum of six months were included. Mentally challenged, bedridden or differently abled subjects were excluded. The study employed a validated questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS questionnaire concerning demographical information, behavioral, physical, and biochemical measurements. Besides tobacco, informa-tion on use of beedis, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products (snuff, chewing tobacco) were also elicited. Data analysis of socio-demographic characteristics (age, educational/ marital/ occupational status) was carried out only for the participants with a current smoking habit. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 18.0.Results: The overall prevalence rate of current smoking and smokeless tobacco habit in the study population was 54.8% (95%CI= 53.40 to 56.20) and the prevalence rate of ever/past users was 39.7% (95%CI= 38.26 to 41.10). Genderwise analysis predicted a higher prevalence of males currently smoking, and among them, most were 50 to 59 years of age (43.3%), illiterate (42.7%), widowed/ separated (39.8%), unskilled (44%), and semi-skilled workers (30%).Conclusion: Both genders participate in tobacco use, prevalence of smoking was higher among men and consumption of smokeless tobacco was higher among women. Subjects aged 50-59 years, illiterate, divorced/widowed/separated and, involved in unskilled or semi-skilled labor exhibited greater prevalence of tobacco habit compared to other determinants.Keywords: noncommunicable diseases, global health, tobacco use, tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco. Correspondence: Dinesh Rajaram, Associate Professor. Department of Community Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical college and Hospital, Bengaluru 560054, Karnataka, India. Email id.: dinesh.gayathri6@gmail.com. Mobile: +919980336893.

CTLA4 Methylation and its Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Tobacco Users with and without Oral Squamous Cell CarcinomaA Protocol for Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is characterised by immunosuppression mediated by evasion of ‘immune checkpoints’ by tumour cells. Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4) is one of the immune checkpoint molecule whose role in oral carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) methylation of CTLA4 promoter region holds potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and assessment of individuals at risk of developing OSCC. Need for the study: Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment modality in some cancers. Thus, better understanding of role of CTLA4 methylation in OSCC paves a way for newer strategies in immunotherapeutic. Aim: To assess the DNA methylation pattern of promoter region of CTLA4 gene and evaluate its expression in tobacco users with and without OSCC so that it can contribute as biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC. Materials and Methods: The proposed longitudinal crosssectional study will be conducted at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Maharashtra, India. It will evaluate promoter methylation and protein expression of CTLA4 gene in Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) users. There will be three groups: group A OSCC patients; group B normal individuals with SLT habit without any oral lesion; and group C normal individuals without SLT habit. Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks will be prepared from the biopsy obtained from total thirty nine participants. DNA methylation of CTLA4 promoter will be assessed using Methylation-Specific PCR (MS-PCR). In addition, the quantitative expression of CTLA4 will also be assessed using Immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Comparison of oral health care practices among the tobacco chewers and nonchewers

Background: Tobacco is chewed, smoked, sucked, sniffed and is the one product which is detrimental to the population when it is used entirely as intended. The present study was conducted to compare the oral health care practices among the tobacco chewers and nonchewers. Materials &amp; Methods: 80 subjects of both genders were divided into 2 groups. Group I comprised of tobacco chewer and group II non- chewer. A closed-ended questionnaire namely, the National Youth Tobacco Survey Questionnaire and the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults was recorded which consisted of demographic information, oral health care practices, and information regarding smokeless tobacco habit. Results: Out of 80 subjects, males were 65 and females were 15. Tooth brush material used was tooth brush in 5 and 32, finger in 15 and 6 and neem stick in 20 and 2. Tooth cleaning material was tooth paste in 12 and 35, tooth powder in 28 and 5, frequency of brushing was once in 11 and 10, twice in 4 and 27 and occasionally in 25 and 3. Frequency of snack consumption was sometimes in 17 and 33 and mostly in 23 and 7.

Effectiveness of Behavioral Counseling in Smokeless Tobacco Cessation Among Adult Users Reporting to a Dental Hospital in Pune: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AimTo assess the effectiveness of behavioral counseling for smokeless tobacco cessation among adult users in a dental hospital setting.MethodsA total of 200 patients visiting a dental hospital who were exclusively using smokeless tobacco (SLT) were enrolled in the study. A randomized controlled trial with a concurrent parallel study design, which consisted of two arms, was conducted. Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence level and the transtheoretical stage of change was assessed at the baseline. Behavioral cessation counseling and motivational interviewing were provided in the study arm and brief advice was given to those in the control arm. The counseling was provided at baseline and followed up till six months through telephone to assess the change in the frequency of use of SLT products and abstinence from SLT use. A biochemical validation with a urine cotinine test was done to confirm abstinence.ResultsAt six months, there was a significant difference within and between the study and control groups, indicating the role played by behavioral tobacco cessation in reducing the frequency of consumption. About 24.4% of participants in the study group and 10% in the control group abstained from the habit at the sixth month, with an odd’s ratio (OR)=2.91 and with a loss to follow-up of 10% in each of the groups. The cotinine test, which was used for validation, revealed a significant difference between the study and the control group. The number needed to treat (NNT) shows that to motivate one additional person to give up the SLT habit, we need to intervene with about seven people.ConclusionBehavior intervention with motivational interviewing was considered an effective method in promoting smokeless tobacco cessation among adults. Transtheoretical stages of change have proven to be an effective model to assess the stage of behavior change of the population toward SLT use and was also helpful for changing the behavior.

Assessment of oral health care practices and smokeless tobacco habit among adults in Odisha: A cross-sectional study

Background: Tobacco chewing is an ancient habit dating back to more than 2000 years. Since then, it has spread with remarkable rapidity, seeping into all sections of the society. Aim: The study was carried out to compare the oral health care practices among the tobacco chewers and nonchewers and to record the tobacco chewing habit among the tobacco chewers of Khordha city, Odisha. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from March 2015 to August 2015, among 25–64 years old patients attending the dental out-patient department of Gopabandhu Khordha District Headquarter Hospital. The study sample of 512 subjects (256 tobacco chewers and 256 nonchewers), who were age and sex matched, were then interviewed regarding their oral hygiene practices and tobacco chewing habit using a closed-ended questionnaire, derived from the National Youth Tobacco Survey Questionnaire, 2012 and the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults, 2013. Data obtained were analyzed using Chi-square test. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: All the study subjects had people at home who had the habit of chewing some or the other form of tobacco. Most (73.4%) of the tobacco chewers felt that tobacco chewing probably makes young people look cool or fit in their peer group. Furthermore, 72.2% never saw a warning label on a smokeless tobacco product and 95.3% never had family or friends talk to them about not using any type of tobacco product. However, 87.1% were willing to quit this habit if proper guidance was provided. Conclusion: Tobacco chewing is a socially and culturally acceptable habit in Khordha city, Odisha. Awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco chewing among the users was very low, emphasizing the need to educate and promote awareness about smokeless tobacco products.

Role of Areca Nut and Smokeless Tobacco-Related Habit in Altering Physical Properties of Saliva – A Comparative Study

Context: Saliva performs multiple functions and is of paramount importance for the maintenance of oral health. Hence, alterations in its physical properties like salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and pH can be deleterious to the oral cavity. Areca nut and smokeless tobacco products are known to alter the mucosa as well as the saliva. Aims and Objectives: The study is aimed to compare the alteration in the salivary properties like stimulated salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity between subjects with areca nut and smokeless tobacco habit and without in subjects without habit. A correlation between the habit frequency, duration, and exposure on the same parameters was also ascertained. Settings and Design: It is a comparative study using purposive sampling, comprising of 100 subjects within age group 18–50 years of any gender. The sample size constituted of 50 subjects (group A) with a habit of areca nut and smokeless tobacco and 50 subjects (group B) without any habit. Salivary properties like salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and pH were analyzed in both groups to test a hypothesis that the habit results in changes in the salivary properties and that there is a correlation between the changes and the frequency, duration, and exposure of the habit. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples were collected from these subjects for analysis of salivary flow rate (SFR), pH, and buffering capacity using the GC Saliva Check Buffer Kit™. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed by using the SPSS software program, version 27.0. Results: The mean stimulated salivary flow rate among group A was 3.34 ± 1.32 and pH was 6.50 ± 0.54. The mean stimulated salivary flow rate among group B was 4.42 ± 1.48 and the pH was 7.04 ± 0.47. The difference in these values was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Alterations in SFR and salivary pH and buffering capacity are observed in habitual chewers of areca nut alone and areca nut with other products. The alteration is dependent on the type of habit and the habit exposure frequency and duration.

Aqueous extract of tobacco induces mitochondrial potential dependent cell death and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gingival epithelial cells.

Smokeless tobacco habits are detrimental to oral health. A correlation between tobacco use and local epithelial tissue damage exists. Yet, the underlying cellular mechanism is not precisely characterized. This study assessed the dose-dependent action of Smokeless tobacco extract on gingival epithelial cells. Gingival tissue was taken from 5 healthy donors. Gingival epithelial cells were isolated by an enzymatic method and cultured up to passage 2. The cultured cells were treated with smokeless tobacco extract at 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% volume concentration. After 48 h of incubation, MTT assay, Annexin V/PI assay, and DiIC1(5) assay were used to evaluate viability, apoptosis, and mitochondrial potential of the cells. RT-qPCR was used to determine the expression of BAX, BCL2, ECAD, NCAD, and TWIST. The Smokeless tobacco extract reduced cell viability by disrupting the mitochondrial potential and inducing apoptosis. Further, the Smokeless tobacco extract induced a dose-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal-transition in gingival epithelial cells. Apoptotic cellular death caused by tobacco extract on the gingival epithelial system was dependant on the mitochondrial potential of the cell. The results demonstrate that smokeless tobacco causes detrimental metabolic alterations of the periodontium.Featured applicationThis study elucidates the mechanism by which Smokeless tobacco products cause cellular damage to the gingival epithelium. The use of Smokeless tobacco products can lead to major cellular and surface changes in the gingiva and its appearance. The consequences of these changes are not limited to oral cancer but also increases a person’s risk for dental and periodontal disease.

Prevalence of Areca Nut and Smokeless Tobacco Habit among the Youth of Gujarat – A Pilot Study

Prevalence of Areca Nut and Smokeless Tobacco Habit among the Youth of Gujarat – A Pilot Study

Epidemiological trends of oral squamous cell carcinoma – An institutional study

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an incidence rate that varies widely by geographic location. Even within one geographic location, the incidence varies among groups categorized by age, gender or race. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the trends in the age, gender, habits, sites involved and the histopathological grading which are given to patients diagnosed with OSCC in D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry, Navi MumbaI. Materials and Methods: The study covered a period from July 2003 to July 2019. OSCC cases were retrospectively analysed for age, gender, habit, site of the lesion and histopathological grading given to patients diagnosed with OSCC. Charts were made, analysis was done and the results were formulated. Correlation was also done comparing gender vs habit, gender vs site of the lesion and gender vs histopathological grading given to the OSCC cases to check for statistical significance. Results: The study revealed a male to female ratio of ~ 0.7 : 0.3 with the largest number of OSCCs developing in the fourth and sixth decades of life. Overall, Buccal Mucosa (40%) was the most common site involved while floor of the mouth (2.8%) showed the least incidence. Other sites involved were gingiva (34%), tongue (12%), palate (4%) and labial mucosa (3%) respectively. Smokeless tobacco habit was more prevalent than smoking tobacco in both men as well as women. We even observed that 58% of cases were diagnosed with Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC), 39% with Moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC) and 2% with Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC). Correlation between gender vs habit, gender vs site of the lesion and gender vs histopathological grading of OSCC was done using chi square test and all the three parameters turned out to be statistically significant. Conclusion: An alarming rise in the number of OSCC cases over the years was observed from this 15-year retrospective study. Measures must be taken to make people aware about the ill effects of tobacco and the prolonged usage &amp; the availability of treatment options should be made known to the affected individuals. Race, ethnicity and age cannot be altered; however, lifestyle behaviour such as use of tobacco and alcohol are amenable to change.

Prevalence and Epidemiological Variation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma among Population of Central Nepal

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity and represents about 90% of all oral malignancies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an incidence rate that varies widely by geographic location. The purpose of this study was to identify any trends in prevalence at specific anatomic sites or within specific age or sex groups of OSCCs in Chitwan population of Nepal. &#x0D; Methods: The study covers the period between January 2016 and October 2018. OSCC cases were retrospectively analysed for site, age, gender and habits and the findings were formulated to chart the trends in Chitwan population.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed a male to female ratio of 2.45:1 with the largest number of OSCCs developing in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Most commonly affected site was the buccal mucosa (66.06%), followed by retromolar area (19%), floor of the mouth (10.41%), lateral border of the tongue (1.81%), labial mucosa (2.26%), and palate (0.45%). Smokeless tobacco habit was more prevalent than smoking tobacco in both men as well as women. Chi Square test was done to show association between different variables i.e. between gender to site and gender to habit and gender to different grades of cancer, which were found to be non-significant.&#x0D; Conclusions: Oral cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an incidence rate that varies widely by geographic location. Even within one geographical location, the variations are seen among groups categorized by age, sex, site or habit.&#x0D;

Care of adolescents and young adults with cancer in Asia: results of an ESMO/SIOPE/SIOP Asia survey

BackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer require dedicated management encompassing both adult and paediatric cancer services. Following a European survey, the European Society for Medical Oncology, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology and the Asian continental branch of International Society of Paediatric Oncology undertook a similar survey to assess AYA cancer care across Asia.MethodsA link to the online survey was sent to healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Asia interested in AYA cancer care. Questions covered the demographics and training of HCPs, their understanding of AYA definition, availability and access to specialised AYA services, the support and advice offered during and after treatment, and factors of treatment non-compliance.ResultsWe received 268 responses from 22 Asian countries. There was a striking variation in the definition of AYA (median lower age 15 years, median higher age 29 years). The majority of the respondents (78%) did not have access to specialised cancer services and 73% were not aware of any research initiatives for AYA. Over two-thirds (69%) had the option to refer their patients for psychological and/or nutritional support and most advised their patients on a healthy lifestyle. Even so, 46% did not ask about smokeless tobacco habits and only half referred smokers to a smoking cessation service. Furthermore, 29% did not promote human papillomavirus vaccination for girls and 17% did not promote hepatitis B virus vaccination for high-risk individuals. In terms of funding, 69% reported governmental insurance coverage, although 65% reported that patients self-paid, at least partially. Almost half (47%) reported treatment non-compliance or abandonment as an issue, attributed to financial and family problems (72%), loss of follow-up (74%) and seeking of alternative treatments (77%).ConclusionsLack of access to and suboptimal delivery of AYA-specialised cancer care services across Asia pose major challenges and require specific interventions.

The smokeless tobacco habit and DNA damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei or other DNA damage in the oral mucosa of adults that have smokeless tobacco habits compared to adults that not have these habits.Material and MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO and Cochrane Library and SIGLE. We also surveyed gray literature. We included only clinical trials that compare the frequency of micronuclei or other DNA damage in the oral mucosa of adults that have smokeless tobacco habits compared to adults that not have these habits. Quality assessments of the selected trials were evaluated by two independent reviewers, using the Effective Public Health Practice Project – (EPHPP) with modifications.ResultsAfter the database screening and removal of duplicates, 2574 studies were identified. After title screening, 172 studies remained, and this number was reduced to 25 after careful examination of the abstracts. The standardized mean difference of the frequency of micronuclei between groups was 1.88, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.40 to 2.36 (p< 0.00001). In all analyses heterogeneity was detected.ConclusionsDespite the heterogeneity of studies, the frequency of micronuclei was significant bigger in adults who have the smokeless tobacco habit when compared to those not have this habit. The same occurred with the frequency of binucleated cells, karyolisis and karyorrhexis. Key words:Micronucleus tests, Tobacco, smokeless, DNA damage.

Prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma in South Gujarat population

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at specific anatomic sites or within specific age or gender groups and the correlation between various forms of tobacco usage in South Gujarat population. Methodology: The study covers the period from January 2016 to January 2018. OSCC cases who reported to the Bharat Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Saroli, Surat, Gujarat, were analyzed for age, sex, site, and habits. The findings were formulated to chart the prevalence in South Gujarat population. Results: The study revealed that males represented a higher proportion than females, i.e., 79% of males and 21% of females, with the highest incidence of OSCC developing in the fourth and fifth decades of life, whereas recently a shift was also observed in terms of age group as 23 patients were falling into younger age group (20–30 years), which is an alarming factor. Overall, the most common site was buccal mucosa followed by tongue and lower alveolus. Smokeless tobacco habit was more prevalent than smoking tobacco habit. Conclusion: Close follow-up and education about the harmful and carcinogenic effects of tobacco and alcohol should be provided on a larger scale and broader population.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among smokeless tobacco usage: A cross-sectional study.

Tobacco use is one of the most prevalent forms of habit and associated with development of potential malignant disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) among smokeless tobacco users. This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study. All the patients with the history of smokeless tobacco habit were included in the study. The patients were interviewed using the preformed questionnaire, including the patient's demographic details, the type of habit, duration, frequency, and the associated oral mucosal pathology. Further, patients were clinically examined and recorded on tobacco-related oral lesions. Prevalence of OML was 54.18%, and 91.50% being among male and with higher frequency at the age of second and fourth decade. The prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis, leukoplakia, carcinoma, lichen planus, and erythroplakia was 26.95, 10.35, 9.94, 5.5, and 0.66%, respectively. Smokeless tobacco habit was prevailing among males (98.79%) compared to females (9.37%). Frequency of habit-associated OML was statistically significant with odds ratio 0.24. The study proves a definite association between smokeless tobacco habit and OML. The data necessitate to correlate and follow up the individuals with smokeless form of tobacco habits to establish the definite correlation between the habit and oral mucosal lesions.

School teachers as communicator for oral health promotion among school children in Malappuram municipality in Kerala.

Dear Editor, This letter addresses the role of school teachers as communicator for oral health promotion among school children in Malappuram muncipality in Kerala. Future perspectives of school dental health program in India were ascertained more recently.[1] To accomplish the above goals on oral health education in Malappuram muncipality, a monitoring committee was constituted in our institution under the Superintendent, Senior Assistant Dental Surgeon, Junior Health Inspector, and School Public Health Nurse. Effective communication regarding oral health motivational lectures, dental school camps, and dental treatment of school children was added to the already existing WhatsApp group under the domain arogya jagratha (vigilance about health) for immunization program by the monitoring committee of our institution with inclusion of head masters of schools in Malappuram muncipality. Motivational lectures regarding oral health, tooth brushing, identifying dental caries, management of traumatic injuries, and identification of lesions associated with smokeless tobacco were given to 25 school teachers working under government and private sectors. Oral health screening camp was carried out in individual schools by dental surgeons; parents of school children with disabilities, neglected oral hygiene, and smokeless tobacco habits were given effective counseling by the dental professionals, and marked improvement was seen after oral screening and counseling. In future, the above model may be implemented throughout the state of Kerala to achieve zero dental caries or dental caries-less or -free future adolescent community. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral malignant lesions: A population-based study in a municipal town of southern Kerala.

Oral cancer burden poses a major challenge in India. Oral cancer in the majority of instances arises from preexisting oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Early detection of OPMD and elimination of primary risk factors such as smokeless and smoking tobacco help in reduction of oral cancer. A study was conducted to find the prevalence and associated risk factors of OPMDs and oral malignant lesions (OMLs) in Punalur township of South Kerala. A total of 2368 patients were screened, out of which 156 were identified with OPMD and 5 with OML. A male predominance was noted for both OPMD and OML. Strong association with smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco habits was seen with patients having OPMD and OML.

Tobacco habits & Oral Health-A cross-sectional study -

Background: More people use tobacco today than any other time in history. Tobacco is among the most addictive product known and tobacco dependence is progressive, chronic and relapsing disorder. Aim: To assess various tobacco habits, periodontal health & awareness regarding Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COPTA). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Jamnagar. Patients present to public health department were enrolled for the study. Total 300 patients were enrolled during period of 1st July to 31st August, 2014 Questionnaire related to smokeless and smoking tobacco habits, periodontal status evaluation, presence of oral lesions, awareness about COTPA and willingness to quit the habit were asked to patients. Results: Smokeless tobacco habit practiced more (72.33%) than smoked tobacco (22.33%) while 5.33% patients used both the products. Again, among Smoke Less Tobacco (SLT), Mawa chewing was more prevalent (52.33%) among smokeless tobacco habit whereas Bidi smoking was more prevalent (19%) amongst smoked tobacco habit. Periodontal disease was present in almost all (98.6%) patients. About 73.67% patients did not know anything about COTPA 2003. Total 88.67% patients were willing to quit the habit but 64.67% patients didn‟t know who could help them to quit. Conclusion: More prevalent tobacco habits were Mawa chewing and Bidi smoking. Periodontal condition was jeopardized among tobacco users. Majority of them were unaware of COTPA. Most of them were willing to quit tobacco habits but they did not know from where to seek the help Keywords: Smoke Less Tobacco (SLT), smoking, Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COPTA), tobacco Quitting

Study of blood pressure, pre-hypertension, and hypertension in medical students

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a non-communicable disease of major public health problem, and pre-HTN in adolescents and young adults is an important risk factor for developing HTN in the future. By detecting pre-HTN earlier, some remedial measures may be adopted to prevent HTN. Aims and Objectives: To study normal blood pressure (BP), HTN, and pre-HTN in medical students studying at Government Medical College. Materials and Methods: A total of 222 medical students from three different professionals (MBBS) of Government Medical College were taken, interviewed with a predesigned questionnaire, and physical examination including BP measurement conducted. Results: About 164 students (73.9%) had normal BP and 58 students (26.1%) were pre-hypertensive, there was no case of HTN. Out of 117 male students, 39 (33.3%) and out of 105 female students, 19 (18.1%) were pre-hypertensives. No one had a current smoking habit of any type. There was no smokeless tobacco habit also, and one student had a past history of smoking. Only one had current alcohol habit. Passive tobacco exposure risk was present in 7 students. Conclusion: Mean systolic BP was 115.37 ± 8.21 and mean diastolic BP was 75.70 ± 7.00. If smoking or smokeless tobacco habit is less or nil, there is less chance of developing HTN or pre-HTN.