Comparison of self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal parameters among habitual shamma-chewers, gutka-chewers, and non-chewers

Objective: There are no studies that have (a) compared self-perceived oral symptoms and clinical and radiographic periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BoP], clinical attachment loss [CAL], and marginal bone loss [MBL]) among shamma-chewers (SC) and gutka-chewers (GC); and (b) assessed periodontal parameters among SC. The aim of the present study was to compare the self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal parameters among SC, GC, and controls. Method and Materials: Information regarding demographic characteristics and self-perceived oral symptoms was gathered using a structured questionnaire. Odds ratios were computed for self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal parameters and compared between the groups. For multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni post-hoc test was used. Level of significance was set at P .05. Results: Forty-seven SC, 45 GC, and 41 control individuals were included. Group comparisons for pain in teeth, pain on chewing, bleeding gums, and burning sensation in the mouth showed no statistically significant difference among SC and GC. These symptoms were significantly higher in SC (P .01) and GC (P .01) than controls. PI, BoP, PD (4-6 mm and > 6 mm), and CAL were significantly higher in SC (P .05) and GC (P .05) than controls. There was no statistically significant difference in PI, BoP, PD (4-6 mm and > 6 mm), and CAL among SC and GC. There was no statistically significant influence of daily frequency of smokeless tobacco consumption and duration of placement in the mouth on the severity of periodontal parameters. Conclusion: Self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal parameters were worse among SC and GC than controls, with no statistically significant difference when comparing these findings between SC and GC. Keywords: alveolar bone loss, gingival bleeding, periodontal disease, questionnaire, smokeless tobacco