PIPE SMOKING AND ITS ORAL HEALTH EFFECTS ON SMOKERS - A SURVEY

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and analyze the pipe smoking practices and its oral health effects among the patients seen at Dental outpatient department of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi. It was carried out from mid-December, 2018 to mid-January, 2019. A description based cross-sectional survey was carried out on 100 patients. Patients were asked their name, age, gender, occupation, employment, education and residential area and were recorded in the questionnaire. It was further categorized to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, practices and habit pattern associated with pipe smoking. Among all participants 35% (35) were female and 65% (65) were males in their second decade of age. Of the total 100 patients, pigmentation on lips was positive in 50% patients followed by 12% on tongue and 16% on gums. Abnormal patches on gums were seen in 24% patients and 60% stains on teeth were noticed. Pipe smoking played a role in causing pigmentation and abnormal patches in oral mucosa and noticeable stains on teeth.