Awareness regarding role of ‘mishri’ (smokeless tobacco) on health among women in rural Western India - a pilot study

Tobacco is roasted and ashes used to clean the teeth, is called ‘mishri’ which is a form of smokeless tobacco. It is observed that smokeless tobacco is used routinely at many places to clean their teeth without knowing the harmful side effects of it on health. The aim was to assess awareness regarding role of Mishri (smokeless tobacco) on health among rural women attending NCD camp. Objectives were to know their knowledge and perception about smokeless tobacco and to find out effects of smokeless tobacco on oral health. A total of 30 women from a village of rural India participated in the study. To assess their knowledge and perception participants were interviewed in depth. Data was collected in google form after taking their consent. Oral health was examined by torch light. Among the attendees 22 (73.33%) was having poor oral health. Fifteen among these 22 women (68%) were using a form of roasted tobacco ash traditionally applied as a dentifrice. Majority of them were unaware of the fact that mishri is a form of tobacco and have been dependent on it for their daily physiological activities. They believe it is a ‘paste for cleaning teeth’. All cases belong to poor families and had poor general health as well. Oral cancer screening programme has to be strengthened to raise awareness and to detect precancerous lesions early, so that it can be prevented.