Incidence of Caries in Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The following observational study evaluates incidence of caries in smoking and smokeless tobacco based on habit history by clinical examination and DMFT index.

Detailed Description
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Dental caries is an irreversible microbial disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by demineralization of the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic substance of the tooth, which often leads to cavitation. It is a complex and dynamic process where a multitude of factors influence and initiate the progression of disease. There are practically no geographic areas in the world whose inhabitants do not exhibit some evidence of dental caries. It affects persons of both genders in all races, all socioeconomic strata and every age group. Likewise, there is strong evidence that tobacco use has numerous negative effects on oral health, for example staining of teeth, dental restoration, development of oral diseases. A biologically reasonable explanation for an association between chewing tobacco use and dental caries may be the presence of higher levels of fermentable sugars in chewing tobacco products which can stimulate the growth of carcinogenic bacteria. The decreased buffering effect possible lower pH of smokers saliva and higher number of lactobacilli and streptococcus mutans group may indicate an increased susceptibility to caries in smokers. On the other hand, there are researches which conclude that presence of extrinsic tobacco stains appear to provide a protective effect from caries.

Official Title
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Incidence of Caries in Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco-An Observation Study

Conditions
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DENTAL CARIES

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients who are willing for the study. A positive history of dental caries in smokers and smokeless tobacco. Patients with caries not under any treatment of the same. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Unwilling patients who do not want to be a part of the study. Patient with fluorosis.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 15 Years
Maximum Age: 100 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| GROUP 1: CONTROL GROUPS<br>Patients with no habit history of tobacco are included in group 1. | |
| GROUP 2: SMOKING TOBACCO<br>Patients with a history of tobacco consumption in the form of smoking. | |
| GROUP 3: SMOKELESS TOBACCO<br>Patients with a history of tobacco consumption in the form of chewing. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dental caries in smoking and smokeless tobacco chewers is determined by proper clinical examination of caries and is scored by DMFT index in both smoking and smokeless tobacco chewers separately and measured. |  | 5-6 MONTHS | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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DENTAL CARIES, TOBACCO USERS, SMOKERS, SMOKELESS TOBACCO CHEWERS