Prevalence of oral parameters in smokeless tobacco-associated precancer

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research article that examines the prevalence of Candida species, salivary flow rate, ph, and buffer capacity in subjects with leukoplakia, tobacco pouch keratosis, and healthy controls. The study aims to evaluate and correlate these factors in relation to smokeless tobacco use.

Key Points:

* The study included 25 cases of leukoplakia, 25 of tobacco pouch keratosis, and 50 of healthy controls.
* Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDa) and hiCrome Candida differential agar were used to identify and speciate Candida species.
* The salivary flow rate, ph, and buffer capacity were measured using the Saliva-Check Buffer kit.
* The prevalence of Candida carriage was significantly greater in the study group associated with smokeless tobacco use.
* Non-Candida albicans Candida species predominated over Candida albicans in speciation among study groups on hiCrome agar.
* Statistically significant values were obtained for salivary flow rate, ph, and buffer capacity between the study groups and control groups.
* The study suggests an increased prevalence of Candida in smokeless tobacco users, with a shift in predominance from Candida albicans to non-Candida albicans species.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering the impact of smokeless tobacco use on oral health, including the prevalence of Candida species. The findings suggest that individuals who use smokeless tobacco may be at increased risk for oral health complications, including potentially malignant disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between smokeless tobacco use and oral health, and to develop appropriate interventions to reduce these risks.

Negi, M., Sepolia, N., Panwar, S. S., Kumar, M., Singla, J., & aggarwal, R. K. (2019). Prevalence of oral parameters in smokeless tobacco-associated precancer. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(12), 3956–3961. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_667_19