Comparative Study of Dental Plaque and Calculus Accumulation among Cigarette Smokers, Hookah Users, and Non-Smokers in Taiz City, Yemen
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Abstract
Background: smoking is a risk factor for poor oral hygiene rather than the cause of it. Nonetheless, the relative data concerning the use of cigarettes versus hookah smoking and their respective effects on plaque and calculus formations are few, particularly in Yemen.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of cigarette smoking, hookah use, and non-smoking on the accumulation of dental plaque and calculus in Taiz City, Yemen.
Methods: The study, based on cross-sectional research of 600 participants in Taiz City, Yemen, involved separation into three groups of 200 participants each: cigarette smokers, hookah smokers, and non-smokers. Smoking statistics were taken in terms of duration and intensity. Clinically the levels of plaque and calculus were evaluated and classified (1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). The statistical analysis involved analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post hoc tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Results: The mean plaque and calculus were the highest among cigarette smokers, then hookah smokers, and non-smokers. The differences were also statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the level of plaque/calculus and smoking duration/intensity (positive moderate degree correlation, p < 0.001). Regression results indicated that 28 percent of the variance of the accumulation of plaque could be predicted by smoking habits (R² = 0.28).
Conclusion: Both cigarette and hookah smoking are significantly associated with increased dental plaque and calculus accumulation. Exposure to tobacco and the period of time spent on smoking have a rather potent effect on the health of the teeth. The results highlight the necessity of focused tobacco cessation and oral health education initiatives in Yemen, especially in areas like Taiz where smoking is highly prevalent.
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Smoking, Cigarette, Hookah, Plaque, Calculus, Yemen
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