CHANGES IN THE ORAL MUCOSA DURING SMOKING

The study of the impact of smoking traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and hookahs on oral health is of significant importance in modern medicine. The research group consisted of 300 patients aged between 18 and 60 years, including both men and women. To analyze the effects of smoking on oral health, a survey was conducted among these patients, along with diagnostic procedures such as examinations, medical history collection, assessment of oral hygiene levels, and the calculation of the CFE index. The questionnaire, designed by the author, aimed to evaluate the negative effects of these smoking methods on oral health. The results revealed unsatisfactory oral hygiene, periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and a high prevalence of caries among patients who preferred smoking traditional cigarettes and hookahs, with the least impact observed in those who smoked electronic cigarettes. According to the completed surveys, 234 individuals reported oral health issues related to smoking traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and hookahs, accounting for 78% of all surveyed patients. Among them, 120 patients smoked traditional cigarettes (51.3%), 84 used electronic cigarettes (35.9%), and the remaining 30 patients smoked hookahs (12.8%). The data collected from patients underscored the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases to prevent or minimize the impact of smoking on overall health.