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Effect of using tobacco on taste perception
Yugandhara S Kale1, Nupura Vibhute1, Uzma Belgaumi1
1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences "Deemed to be University", Malakapur, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|September 25, 2019
Summary
Chewing tobacco significantly impairs taste perception, particularly for salty flavors, affecting quality of life. This study compared taste identification times between tobacco chewers and non-chewers.
Area of Science:
- Sensory science
- Public health
Background:
- Impaired taste perception negatively impacts quality of life.
- Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for taste dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare taste perception in individuals who chew tobacco versus those who do not.
- To identify specific taste alterations associated with tobacco chewing.
Main Methods:
- Sixty participants (30 tobacco chewers, 30 non-chewers) were assessed.
- Taste identification time for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter solutions was recorded.
- Statistical analysis included Student's t-test and ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Tobacco chewers showed a statistically significant increase in taste identification time for salty taste (12.32s vs 10.21s, P=0.03).
- Average identification times were higher for sweet and salty tastes in chewers.
- Average identification times were lower for sour and bitter tastes in chewers.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco chewing leads to a decreased perception of salty taste.
- Significant differences in basic taste perception exist between tobacco chewers and non-chewers.
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