PREVALENCE OF ROOT CARIES AMONG CIGARETTE SMOKERS PRESENTING TO LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

This cross-sectional, observational analysis was carried out at the Dept. of Dentistry at Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro from January 2018 to July 2018 on a sample of 377 smokers, aged 28 to 64 years (chosen via non-probability, consecutive sampling) presenting to the study setting. After taking written informed consent from the study subjects, data was collected using a pre-structured, interview-based questionnaire containing inquiries about basic sociodemographic details, lifestyle and eating and oral hygiene habits, history of smoking and self-reported presenting complaints. Routine oral examination was conducted with special emphasis to look for dental root caries. The data obtained was analyzed using MS. Excel 360 and SPSS v. 21.0. A total of 377 smokers were enrolled during the study duration. The mean age of sample stood at 47 years (SD ±7.5) and most of the subjects (71.35%) were males. 53.58% of the subjects had caries, among which 81 were root caries and the remaining 121 were others. 21 subjects has previously underwent restorative treatment, while the remaining 181 had untreated caries. 19 subjects had root caries on less than 2 surfaces; 54 subjects had root caries on 3-5 surfaces and there were 8 subjects with more than 5 carious surfaces. Xerostomia was observed in 57 subjects.  After carefully considering the results, it can be concluded that the there is a high prevalence root among smokers. Very few (10.4%) subjects had previously sought treatment and even fewer practiced necessary precautions or indulged in good oral hygiene behavior. Despite the dismal oral health condition, very few showed intentions of smoking cessation.

Keywords: Dental Caries, Root Caries, Oral Hygeine, Cigarette Smoking & Xerostomia.