Background: Consumption of various tobacco products is becoming an upcoming trend for today’s world. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a wide variety in prevalence rates in oral lesions in different population due to various habits. This study was conducted to estimate the habit of tobacco usage among population and to record tobacco induced lesion in oral cavity. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Oral Medicine & Radiology department among patients visiting the department. Out of 5000 patients examined, 3240 patients had habit of tobacco usage in various forms. It comprised of 2268 (70%) males and 972 (30%) females. Results: Out of 3240 patients, 2268 were male and 973 were female. In age group from 10- 25, 25% males and 20% females were present. In age group from 21- 30, 14% males and 26% females were present. Age group 41-50, 26% males and 22% females and age group 51-60, 7% males and 5% female were seen.  Highest prevalence was seen in age group 31- 40 years in both male and females. The difference was statistical among both sex. Leukoplakia was more prevalent among all oral mucosal lesions in both male and females. It was seen in 12 males, 7 females followed by smoker’s palate, 9 in males, 4 in females, tobacco pouch keratosis, 10 in males, 4 in females, smoker’s melanosis, 8 in males, 6 in females, oral submucous fibrosis, 7 in males, 3 in females, chemical burn, 6 in males, 3 in females, lichenoid reaction, 6 in males, 3 in females and other lesions, 2 in males and 2 in females. Cigarette usage is highest both in males (60%) and females (45%), followed by multiple usage, 15% in males and 16% in females, gutka 7% in males, 10% in females, bidi 10% in males, 14% in females, pan 8% in males, 15 in females. 51% of males and 49% of females were aware of ill effects whereas 47% male and 53% females were unaware of ill effects. The difference was non significant (P-0.5). Among various reason for tobacco usage, Friends Company was seen in 18 patients, work load (22), habit (40) and other tensions (10). The difference was significant (P-0.02). Conclusion: Author concluded that effective tobacco cessation programs should be conducted to educate the people about harmful effects of tobacco use.
Key words: Leukoplakia, Tobacco, smoker’s melanosis