Study of oral microflora in smokeless tobacco chewing subjects from Jammu region.

Nishu Vakil; Abhishek Singh; Surinder Sachdeva

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

Study of oral microflora in smokeless tobacco chewing subjects from Jammu region.

Nishu Vakil, Abhishek Singh, Surinder Sachdeva

Abstract :

Background– Smokeless tobacco chewing deserves a special attention in India, because of its popularity and wide–spread social acceptance. Aim– To analyze effects of tobacco and betel leaf on the normal microbial flora of the oral cavity in smokeless tobacco chewing subjects. Methods– Thirty each of smokeless tobacco chewers (case) and non–chewers (control) were randomly selected from the subjects visiting various out patients departments of a dental hospital. Stimulated saliva sample collection was done. Subgingival plaque samples were lifted thereafter. Collected samples were sent to microbiology laboratory for further processing. Results– Caries experience among chewers, that is those subjects who were affected by caries, was significantly less compared to non–chewers. Among chewers, the most commonly isolated microorganisms were Enterococcus species (93.33%), Lactobacillus species (76.67%), Streptococcus mutans (70.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%), Pigmented Prevotella (59.5%), and bacteroides species (46.67%). Non–chewers demonstrated 93.33% isolation of Lactobacillus species, CONS (60%), Bacteroides species (56.67%), Enterococcus species (40%), Peptococcus niger (13.33%). Conclusion– Greater proportion of caries among non–chewers may be due to greater numbers of Lactobacillus species in this subgroup. Burden of periodontal disease was a little more among chewers compared to non–chewers. These findings suggest lower ability of Gram–negative bacteria to mediate more disease in this subgroup