Narghile and Tobacco smoking by Dental Students

Smoking tobacco is an addictive, chronic, contagious disease. Cigarette is the form of the most frequent consumption; however, use of narghile (water pipe) alone or in a cocktail with cigarette has acquired great impact in the youth nowadays. In contradiction to certain popular beliefs, using a water pipe to smoke tobacco is not a healthy alternative instead of smoking cigarettes. Objective: The aim of the present work was to determine frequency and forms of consumption of tobacco and narghile among Dental students. Methods: A transverse study was performed using a survey. Population surveyed was selected randomly by year of study.   100 anonymous surveys were completed. Results: 69 (69%) were females, and the total group showed an average age of 21,6 years. The use of narghile predominated with a 52/100 (52 %), over conventional cigarette combined with narghile in a 36/100 (36 %). Surprisingly, conventional cigarette smoking was only found in 12 students (12 %). The age of beginning of consumption was between 16 and 18 years. The consumption of alcohol was more evident in narghile smokers. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the young population smoke narghile in public spaces for social influence, they combine with cigarette and alcohol, which increases the time of consumption and the risk of developing injuries in mucous mouth product of the realized combustion.