ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS, KNOWLEDGE, AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SMOKING AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS AT A UNIVERSITY IN CENTRAL-WESTERN PARANÁ, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with smoking, students’ knowledge of its health effects, and the presence of inflammatory oral clinical signs among dental students at a higher education institution in Paraná, Brazil. This cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study used a structured questionnaire and a periodontal clinical examination. A total of 121 students participated, of whom 24.8% reported current tobacco/nicotine product use; among these, 83% used electronic smoking devices. Smoking was significantly associated with halitosis (p < 0.001), and smoking duration was positively correlated with periodontal probing depth, particularly in the mandibular anterior teeth, suggesting a cumulative effect of smoking-related damage on the periodontium. Gingival alterations were identified in 50% of the clinically examined participants, with localized gingivitis predominating. Students demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding smoking-related risks, particularly oral cancer, although gaps remained in the clinical recognition of smoking-associated lesions. These findings underscore the importance of educational strategies that integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, public policies aimed at preventing smoking among young people, and stricter regulation of access to tobacco and electronic smoking products.