Comparison of periodontal inflammatory parameters among habitual gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers: a split-mouth retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present split-mouth retrospective study was to compare the clinical periodontal parameters among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to record demographic information. Jaw quadrant in which, gutka or naswar were placed were defined as “test-sites”. The remaining jaw quadrants were designated as “control-sites”. Clinical [plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL)] and radiographic [alveolar bone loss (ABL)] parameters were compared among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers in the test- and control sites. Data were analysed using non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test followed by post hoc analyses with the Bonferroni correction. p < .05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Seventy-five gutka-chewers and 72 naswar-dippers with mean ages of 45.2 ± 0.8 years and 47.3 ± 2.8 years, respectively were included. Gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers were consuming their respective smokeless tobacco product 10.2 times and 8.5 times daily for 15.1 ± 2.7 and 12.3 ± 3.4 years, respectively. Among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers, scores of PI, BOP, PPD ≥4 mm, CAL and ABL were significantly higher in the test-sites compared with their respective control-sites (p < .01).

Conclusions: Periodontal inflammatory parameters were poorer in the test-sites among gutka-chewers and naswar-dippers compared with the control-sites.