[Effects of smoking on the periodontium].

Introduction: The exact mechanisms by which smoking effects the periodontal tissues are not known. Studies in which plaque or calculus are taken into consideration come to conflicting conclusions regarding effects of smoking.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the oral hygiene and periodontal status in smokers and compare them with nonsmokers.

Material And Methods: The study group comprised 83 smokers and 83 nonsmokers. The mean age (SD) of smokers and nonsmokers was 42.4 +/- 7.0 years and 43.7 +/- 6.4 years, respectively. The age difference was not statistically significant. The average tobacco consumption of the smokers at the time of investigation was 14 cigarettes a day and they had been regular smokers for 21 years on average.

Results: The amount of dental plaque was evaluated in accordance with the criteria of Green-Vermillion by using disclosing solution. The periodontal condition was evaluated by Ramfjord Periodontal Disease Index. For gingival recession the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the gingival margin was determined on mid-buccal and mid-lingual surfaces of all teeth. Each subject was radiographically examined with a full mouth intraoral survey. Alveolar bone loss was determined as the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the point where lamina dura became continuous with the compact bone of the interdental septum. Mean alveolar bone loss based on all mesial and distal measurements was calculated for each subject. The amount of dental plaque was high in both smokers (2,60,60) and nonsmokers (1,50,70), whereas the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Periodontal destruction, alveolar bone loss and gingival recession were significantly increased in smokers compared to nonsmokers (p < 0.001). It is concluded that differences observed between smokers and nonsmokers with regard to periodontal condition are attributable to differences in oral hygiene. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontal health.