title: The effect of tobacco use on oral health and dental readiness in the Croatian Army.
abstract: This study examined tobacco use as a risk factor in the development of periodontal disease as dental emergency and dental readiness among soldiers. A total of 884 soldiers were followed: 650 recruits and 234 professional active veterans. They were categorized into dental readiness classes, and questionnaires were completed about tobacco use. Overall, 62.7% of soldiers reported current smoking, with a higher prevalence of smokers among recruits. The results showed a significant difference in smokers vs. non-smokers in dental readiness, supragingival/subgingival calculus, gingivitis, and Class 3 dental fitness. More recruits (63.8%) smoked than veterans (59.4%), but greater prevalence of daily cigarette smoking and duration of smoking habits was found among veterans. In both groups, soldiers who smoked were characterized by a higher percentage of periodontal health problems and decreased combat readiness compared to soldiers who did not smoke. This indicates a need for oral health prevention program, and cigarette smoking and cessation programs.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Dubrava, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zajc
authors.forename: Davor
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brajdić
authors.forename: Josip
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Biočić
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bošan-Kilibarda
authors.forename: Vlatko
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kopić
authors.forename: Stjepan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siber
authors.forename: Darko
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Macan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017523:Croatia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008885:Military Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009909:Oral Health; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult; D014026:Nicotiana