# Effects of tobacco consumption on oral health: Knowledge and Awareness among dental patients and their attitude towards tobacco cessation and counseling in North Maharashtra, India

## TL;DR

This study examines dental patients in India's knowledge and attitude towards tobacco use and cessation counseling.

## Contribution

The study identifies education and age as key factors influencing knowledge and attitude towards tobacco cessation.

## Key findings

- Participants had moderate knowledge about tobacco's effects on oral health.
- Education significantly influenced knowledge and attitude towards tobacco.
- Age affected attitude towards quitting tobacco consumption.

## Abstract

India is the fourth-highest tobacco consumer in the world. Therefore, it is of interest to assess knowledge, awareness, attitude and
practice of tobacco consumption among dental patients. Hence, a total of 414 dental patients with mean age 38.9±2.5 years were enrolled.
The knowledge (p=0.04) and attitude (p=0.02) were significantly associated with education whereas, attitude towards quitting tobacco
consumption was associated with age (p=0.05). Thus, participants had moderate knowledge and favorable attitude; proper tobacco cessation
counseling will help in quitting the tobacco consumption.