[The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in Hungary].

The aim of the survey was to recognize the lesions of the oral mucosa (any alterations from healthy normal tissues) related to gender, age, intraoral localization, geographic regions, according to smoking habits and dental surgery attendance, based on the data of "Epidemiological national survey on oral health 2003-2004.". In the nationwide survey 4606 people (2923 women, 1683 men) participated. Oral mucosal lesions registered in 10.14 and 9.41% in males and females (respectively). The highest prevalence of mucosal lesions occurred in 45-64 year old age group. The highest number of the oral lesions was found in the buccal mucosa in males (42%). In females the most of the lesions are registered on the hard palate (24%) and on the buccal mucosa (24%). By geographic regions the highest prevalence of oral mucosal lesions occurred in "Közép-Dunántúl" statistical region, and the lowest prevalence was found in "Dél-Dunántúl". Statistically significant correlation could be shown between prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and smoking habits (p < or = 0.05) and there was a significant correlation between the frequency of dental surgery attendance and the prevalence of mucosal lesions in the examined population. The data of this epidemiological study could serve a good base for planning of preventive programs in different populations in the future.