Assessment Of Periodontal Status Of Nigerian Factory Workers In Relation To Cigarette Smoking In Lagos

Abstract

Two hundred and sixty two factory workers (158 males and 104 females) were seen at two different urban settings in Lagos. Forty six (46) were identified as smokers and majority (44) of these were males. Using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) Ainamo et al, 1982). The periodontal status was found to be poor with the majority of smokers and non-smokers presenting with calculus deposits (Code 2). However, more smokers had poorer periodontal status by scoring CPITN maximum codes 3 and 4. The mean calculus scores of Oral Hygiene Index (Green and Vermillon) in the smokers was significantly higher than that of non-smokers (p<0.05). The mean Oral Hygiene Index in smokers was higher than non-smokers with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Concerning the sex distribution, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean Oral Hygiene Index of female and male smokers whilst the converse was true for non-smokers. Counselling on cessasion of smoking on individual, and at Community Level is advocated. Preventive measures by giving oral health education and employment of audio-visual methods to show the oral effects of smoking should be encouraged by Oral health personnels.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.3 (1999) pp. 198-201