Publication:

Study of benign oral lesions and serum vitamin levels in tobacco consumers

Background Oral mucosal lesions are seen commonly in tobacco consumers and some of them are precancerous. Study of various benign oral mucosal lesions has done in tobacco consumers. Comparison of serum Vitamin levels was done in patients with benign oral lesions in tobacco consumers and non- tobacco consumers.

Methods Retrospective study of 100 patients with benign oral lesion with tobacco addiction was done. Control group includes tobacco non-addicts. Detail history regarding tobacco consumption was noted. Tobacco consumption pattern was studied in patients with benign oral lesion. Ear, nose, throat examination was done in detail. Oral lesion was noted. Comparison between serum levels of vitamin A, C and vitamin E in benign oral lesion of patients with tobacco addiction and tobacco non-addicts were included in the study. The results were analysed statistically by student t-test.

Results Patient with tobacco consumption with lime application was more prone to develop benign oral lesions. Gingivitis was most common lesion seen in study population followed by leukoplakia. Serum vitamin A, C and E were significantly decreased in tobacco consumers with benign oral lesions as compared to tobacco non-consumers. Decreased in serum vitamin levels were seen in all benign oral lesions irrespective of its malignant potential.

Conclusions Gingivitis was most common lesion seen in study population followed by leukoplakia. Serum level of non-enzymatic antioxidant vitamin such as vitamin A, C and E gets decreased significantly in all benign oral lesions irrespective of its malignant potential. Serum levels of the antioxidant vitamins indicate need of increased oral intake of these vitamins to protect from damage in all benign oral lesions.