[Clinical changes in the oral cavity resulting from smokeless tobacco (Maraş powder)]

Maraş powder (MP) is a kind of smokeless tobacco prepared by a mixture of ash and the powder obtained from the leaves of a tobacco plant called "deli tütün" in the region. In this study, we investigated the physical changes occurring in the oral cavity of MP users.

A total of 92 subjects (5 females, 87 males; mean age 46.6+/-14.3 years; range 21 to 88) who had been using MP were included in the study. Subjects with a history of MP usage of less than one year duration and those who smoked cigarettes were excluded from the study.

Of the patients, 86 applied the MP between the lower labial mucosa and gingiva. All the patients had dental discoloration in varying degrees. There were total dental prosthesis in 12 subjects, partial dental prosthesis in two, absence of incisors in four, and dental decay of varying degrees in 30 cases. Forty-six cases had mild, 15 cases had marked, and 12 cases had severe gingival recession. In 22 cases, there were lesions in the labial mucosa where MP was applied, in the form of white plaques (MP leukokeratosis). There were erythroplastic (n=2), leukoplastic (n=2), and aphthous (n=2) lesions, desquamation that could easily be removed by rubbing (n=8), and enduration (n=11).

In the oral cavity of MP users, especially in the application sites, significant changes that potentially and eventually led to a decrease in the quality and comfort of life were observed. Some of these findings seemed to be precancerous. Further comparative studies with control groups may clarify the possible role of the MP on the occurrence of these changes.