Influence of Dental Pain and Tooth Sensitivity on the Intention to Quit Smoking among Schoolchildren.

ABSTRACT: Objective:To evaluate the association between oral health problems and sociodemographic factors with the intention to quit smoking and join the tobacco cessation program among schoolchildren. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study included a sample of 10-12 grade male students from public high schools in different cities of the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Schoolchildren responded to a pilot-tested questionnaire about self-reported oral health problems and the intention to quit smoking. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results:Out of 587 schoolchildren, 199 were smokers with a smoking prevalence of 33.9%. Significantly higher proportions of smokers than nonsmokers had tooth sensitivity (P?=?0.029) and dryness of the mouth (P?=?0.001). Most smokers (75.9%) had a family history of smoking, and 51.8% started smoking within the last two years. Tooth sensitivity (56.3%), dental cavities (52.8%), and dental pain (44.7%) were highly prevalent among smokers. About one-third of smokers expressed their intention to quit smoking (38.2%) and join a smoking cessation program (33.7%). Tooth sensitivity (OR?=?3.7, P?=?0.004) and dental pain (OR?=?2.84, P?=?0.014) were significantly associated with quitting smoking. In addition, smokers with tooth sensitivity (OR?=?3.22, P?=?0.007) had higher odds of joining a smoking cessation program than those without tooth sensitivity. The smokers who started smoking within the last two years (OR?=?3.97, P?=?0.002) were more likely to quit smoking than those who initiated smoking for more than two years. Conclusion:Oral health problems were highly prevalent among smokers. Tooth sensitivity was significantly associated with quitting smoking and joining a cessation program in children. The awareness about the adverse effects of smoking on oral health should be part of regional, national, and global tobacco prevention policies and programs.

SUBMITTER: Nazir M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7368192 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature