Oral Health Status and Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Sambalpuri Handloom Weavers in Odisha: A Cross-sectional Study

conditions, cultural habits, income, education, and work. 7,8Working conditions, income stability, health literacy, workplace exposures, and access to preventive and curative services can significantly influence oral hygiene practices and treatment-seeking behavior. 9,10hile clinical indicators such as caries experience, periodontal status, and tooth loss provide valuable information on disease burden, they are insufficient to capture the full impact of oral diseases on individuals' daily lives.As a result, the oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL), which includes the functional, IntroductIonOral health is important for well-being as a whole, impacting key biological functions such as mastication and speech, as well as social interaction, self-esteem, communication, and overall quality of life. 1 Oral cavity diseases can disrupt daily activities, work productivity, and social connections by creating pain, discomfort, functional limitations, and mental suffering. 2eyond their clinical signs, dental conditions have a significant cost on individuals, their households, and health systems as a whole because of treatment expenses, reduced productivity, and lower quality of life. 3Dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral mucosal lesions are the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting people worldwide, which cause major challenges for health systems in developing as well as developed nations.Even with advancements in preventive dentistry, a significant percentage of the population continues to be affected by the global impact of untreated oral health issues. 4ral mucosal lesions, in particular, show considerable variation in prevalence across populations and are influenced by behavioral, environmental, and systemic factors.These lesions may serve as early indicators of underlying disease processes or harmful exposures such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic irritation. 5,6ral health conditions are significantly affected by a number of factors, including availability of health care services, housing