The prevalence of tongue lesions in 5150 Turkish dental outpatients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of nine tongue conditions and relate to data obtained about oral hygiene or habits in Turkish dental outpatients. SUBJECTS: A total of 5150 subjects (2837 women, 2313 men) were included in this study. RESULTS: Of the 5150 subjects, 2690 subjects were detected as having tongue lesions with a prevalence of 44.2 and 62.0% for women and men, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There was a strong correlation between tongue lesions and increasing age. There was also a strong association between tongue lesions and smoking, black tea drinking, and fair or poor oral hygiene. Hairy and coated tongue was significantly higher in males. Contrary to this, papillary atrophy was more prominent in women. CONCLUSION: A strong correlation was found between tongue lesions and age, sex, oral hygiene and habits in Turkish dental outpatients. An efficient oral health program such as the elimination of risk habits and attention to cultural practices may improve tongue hygiene.