Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe

the use of tobacco and changes in its use over time among

individuals living in Jo¨nko¨ping, Sweden, and to analyse

tobacco habits in relation to socioeconomic conditions,

personality aspects and dental care habits. Methods: This

study comprised three epidemiological cross-sectional

studies, involving a random selection of individuals aged

between 15 and 70 years, and was conducted in 1983, 1993

and 2003. The participants were asked to complete a

questionnaire. Results: The results revealed a statistically

significant reduction from 34% tobacco users in 1983 to 27%

in 1993 and 28% in 2003. The main decrease was seen

among smokers. At the same time, the number of users of

snuff increased in all the age groups between 20 and

60 years of age. The use of tobacco was therefore largely

unchanged in 1993 and 2003. In 2003, there was a

statistically significant difference between users and nontobacco

users when it came to the frequency of dental visits;

more tobacco users than non-tobacco users did not visit a

dentist at all or did not visit a dentist regularly. In 1993, nontobacco

users brushed their teeth more frequently than

tobacco users and this difference was statistically

significant. Conclusions: During the 20-year study, there was

a reduction in the number of smokers and an increase in the

number of snuff users. There was a difference between

tobacco users and non-tobacco users when it came to the

frequency of dental visits and oral hygiene habits