Prevalence of leukokeratosis nicotina palati among 3,819 Danes

Abstract

Clinical inspection was made of the palatal mucosa of 3,819 patients at the Royal Dental College, Copenhagen. Any occurrence of leukokeratosis nicotina palati (LNP) was recorded, as were the patients' general data and information on their smoking habits. LNP was most prevalent in 30- to 39-year-olds. Prevalence was considerably greater among males than females, even when comparing groups with the same smoking habits. LNP was found in connection with all forms of smoking. In male patients, approx. 30% of pipe smokers had LNP compared with approx. 7% of other smokers. The greatest single factor of importance to the prevalence of LNP, among those who smoked a pipe only, was the level of consumption. The smoking period was of no particular significance. Individual susceptibility is illustrated by the fact that even among pipe smokers with a relatively high consumption, 40% did not exhibit LNP.