PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL TYPES OF ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA REPORTED IN A PRIVATE DENTAL INSTITUTION : A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Oral leukoplakia is widespread amongst the Indian population due to the use of tobacco. It is a premalignant condition and if not diagnosed early has a risk causing oral morbidity and cancer. The study was conducted in Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals among a sample size of 97 patients who have been reported positive for leukoplakia.The main aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of clinical types of leukoplakia in patients reporting to Saveetha Dental College. Age and gender for prevalence were studied along with the tobacco association. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Inferential statistics was done using Chi square test and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Study reveals homogenous leukoplakia is the most common as 76%. Smoking tobacco is more predominantly associated with leukoplakia. The study also reveals a strong male predilection for the disease. The prevalence rate agrees with other studies done on leukoplakia. This gives us an idea of the epidemiology of this condition as most of the potentially malignant cases can be studied in a private university and hospital set up where more cases are reported.