Tobacco use impairs oral mucosal healing and is an important risk factor for oral cancer. Objectives: Present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of tobacco use and study the spectrum of oral lesions in subjects who smoke tobacco. Methods: Clinical profile and demographic data of 359 randomly assigned subjects (232 non-smokers and 127 smokers) seeking dental care at an urban dental clinic were analyzed for the prevalence of smoking and oral lesions. There were 153 males (82 non-smokers and 71 smokers) and 206 females (150 non-smokers and 56 smokers). The mean age of non-smokers (47.8 ± 16. years) and smokers (44.3 ± 12.7 years) was comparable. Result: The prevalence of tobacco smoking was 35% (127 of the 359 subjects), more in males (46%) than in females (27%). Oral Lesions in Non-Smokers: Mucosal soft tissue lesions were seen in 87 of the 232 subjects (37.5%). 60% of the lesions were simple lesions (buccal leucoplakia, melanotic macule, hyperpigmentation, fordyce spots,reactive mucosal lesions). Gingivitis, endodontic lesions and dry mouth accounted for 34% lesions. Oral Lesions in Smokers: Mucosal soft tissue lesions were more prevalent in smokers (p<0.05) and seen in 77 of the 127 subjects (61%). 34% of the lesions were simple soft tissue lesions as noted above. Gingivitis, endodontic lesions and periodontitits accounted for 47% lesions. In addition 12 of the 77 smokers (16%) had lesions that are associated with tobacco use (lingual and buccal floor leucoplakia, cyanotic gingivitis, oro-pharyngitis, nicotine stomatitis) and were not seen in non-smokers. Conclusions: Tobacco smoking has adverse impact on oral health. It increases the occurrence of oral lesions. More importantly it is associated with soft tissue lesions that are otherwise uncommon or are not seen in non-smokers. Dental practitioners can play an important role in smoking cessation and prevention of adverse effects of tobacco use on oral and general health.

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