Prevalence of tobacco habits and oral health status of adolescents in Lucknow district: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Background: Tobacco use among youth is increasing in epidemic proportions across the world. Tobacco use among adolescents is a priority health risk behavior that contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, which is mostly preventable. Aim: To assess the prevalence of various tobacco habits among the adolescents of Lucknow and the related oral mucosal lesions present. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed comprising urban and rural schoolgoing students (males and females); within 12-19 years of age in Lucknow. Areas from both urban and rural Lucknow were selected for the study. A pro forma with two parts was filled in details, and the oral hygiene was examined with Oral Hygiene status score. Results: The presence of oral mucosal condition was found in 11.53% of adolescents and had significant results (P < 0.001). The urban and rural adolescents were, respectively, at 1.9- and 9.66- times higher risk of developing dental caries in association with pan masala chewing habit (statistically significant; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Dental practitioners should donate to enhance oral health by including oral examination as a mandatory daily clinical practice along with proper tobacco counseling and imparting satisfactory diet charts, and denoting patients to specific oral health clinicians for care.