Smoking On Periodontal Disease

Smoking has long been identified as a frontline causative factor for periodontal diseases and has been found to increase the severity and prevalence of the disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, “Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red due to inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to the presence of harmful bacteria. In the more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis, the gums pull away from the tooth and supporting gum tissues are destroyed. Bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or eventually fall out”1.

In his article, Dr. Bertrand R. Stuart2
Clinical studies have demonstrated that smokers have more severe periodontal disease, with increased bone loss,7 greater periodontal attachment loss, more gingival recession and periodontal pocket formation.8 A patient's history of smoking has been associated with early attachment loss in adults

David A. Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H. Dr. Albert, an associate professor at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine stated in his study that "Smokers have much less gum bleeding and redness than other people even though their mouths are not healthy," He also says that "This can lead to the false impression that the gums are healthy. It is therefore very important that tobacco smokers have regular dental exams to evaluate their gum health."9

According to cited literature, smoking and its frequency directly affects the prevalence and degree of severity of periodontal diseases as it relates to smokers and