Effectiveness of comprehensive oral care on Bradburn scale of psychological well-being among young adult smokers and tobacco chewers: A prospective clinical study

Aim: To assess the benefits of comprehensive oral care in improving the psychological well-being of young adult smokers and tobacco chewers. Materials and Methods: A prospective, clinical study of 60 young adult smokers/tobacco chewers or both were carried out. This study was conducted to assess the psychological well-being at the first dental visit, and then after the completion of comprehensive oral care using Bradburn scale of psychological well-being (Affect Balance Scale). Comprehensive oral care included oral prophylaxis, simple restorative care, preventive procedures, and health education. Health education was given before the appointment, during the stage of diagnosis and treatment planning, in the operatory during the various stages of treatment. Results: A total of 60 males were participated in this clinical study, with a minimum age of 18 years to the maximum age of 25 years. A total of 20 (33.3%) were using both smokeless and smoking tobacco. The majority of them were school educated (74%) and semi-skilled (86%). The overall oral hygiene status was fair. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) ranged from 0 to 9. The Bradburn scale of psychological well-being score was 1.55 ± 2.54 at the first visit to the dentist and after completing the comprehensive oral care there was an improvement in the score (3.20 ± 1.29). This was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study findings showed improvement in the psychological well-being of young adult smokers and tobacco chewers after the completion of comprehensive oral care.