Jamila Areef, Lemlem Fessahaye, Keaton Toney
Howard University Epidemiology
November 15, 2012
Course Instructor: Ahmed A. Moen, DrPH, MPH, MHA
Abstract: In this paper we will be researching periodontal diseases and how smoking is the leading cause to the diseases. From both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, there appears to be strong epidemiological evidence that both smoking tobacco and cannabis confers a considerably increased risk of periodontal disease. This evidence is further supported by the data emanating from patients who smoke cannabis and tobacco. These patients have levels of risk similar to those who smoke tobacco. Numerous studies of the potential mechanisms …show more content…
Description of the research: the main purpose of this research is to determine if smoking and or cannabis use causes periodontal diseases. The research is predominately based on men in age groups between 18-30 years old. There will be a tremendous amount of information given using measurements of cannabis exposure as well as measurements of tobacco smoking, and other measurements that can contribute to periodontal diseases. The independent variable in this research is smoking and cannabis use and the dependent variable is periodontal diseases and attributes such as, bad breath, and a shorter life span. Periodontal is one of the most common chronic diseases in adults; it is bacterially mediated inflammation that extends deep into the tissues, causing loss of supporting connective tissue and alveolar bone. Left unchecked in susceptible individuals, it can result in the loosening and eventual loss of teeth. It is second only to dental caries as a cause of tooth loss among adults in developed