EC Dental Science

Research Article Volume 25 Issue 2 - 2026

Burden of Oral Diseases and Oral Pre-Malignant Disorders among Workers at Asia’s Largest Wholesale Market: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nagaraj M1, Mansi Atri2*, Anitha G3, Chaity Sarkar4, Nithya S5, Jitin Kharbanda6 and Ankit Sharma7

1Dean and Head of Department, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

2Professor and Head of Department, Department of Public Health Dentistry, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

3Professor, Department of Periodontics, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

4Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

5Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

6Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

7Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India

*Corresponding Author: Mansi Atri, Professor and Head of Department, Nodal Officer-Mobile Dental Van Services & Tobacco Cessation Centre, Department of Public Health Dentistry, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Delhi, India.
Received: January 02, 2026; Published: January 14, 2026



Background: Oral diseases are a major public health concern, sharing modifiable risk factors with other non-communicable diseases. In India, high tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and limited dental access worsen this burden. Workers at APMC-Azadpur Mandi, Asia’s largest wholesale market, form a high-risk group with limited oral health data.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of oral diseases, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), tobacco and alcohol use, oral hygiene practices, and dental service utilization among APMC workers in Delhi.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1125 workers through oral examinations and structured questionnaires using WHO diagnostic criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0, applying descriptive and bivariate analyses (p < 0.05).

Results: Most participants were male (94.5%), aged 31 - 40 years (32.4%). Gum disease (70.4%), dental caries (59.4%), and periodontal disease (32.3%) were highly prevalent. Tobacco use was reported by 55.4% (mainly smokeless), and OPMDs by 26.8%-notably tobacco pouch keratosis (15.4%) and oral submucous fibrosis (4.4%). Only 2.8% brushed twice daily; 84.9% had never visited a dentist. Tobacco use significantly correlated with OPMDs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: High oral disease prevalence and risk behaviors highlight the need for workplace-based oral health and tobacco cessation programs.

 Keywords: Oral Health; Oral Diseases; Tobacco Use; Potentially Malignant Disorders; Health Promotion; Occupational Health

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Mansi Atri., et al. “Burden of Oral Diseases and Oral Pre-Malignant Disorders among Workers at Asia’s Largest Wholesale Market: A Cross-Sectional Study”. EC Dental Science  25.2 (2026): 01-14.

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