The effects of smoking on the periodontium of healthy young adults

Aim of the study

The authors have studied the effects of smoking on periodontal health in a population of healthy young adults.

Materials and methods

Oral hygiene habits, the frequency of dental check-ups, smoking and various clinical parameters were assessed in a population of 304 caucasian army recruits with a mean age of 19,38 ± 0,38 years.

Results

Only 46 % of the subjects brushed their teeth at least once per day, 13 % regularly consulted a dentist, 53 % were regular smokers, 43 % smoked between 5 and 20 cigarettes per day, 39 % for less than 5 years. A statistical analysis of the clinical parameters produced results similar to previous studies ; plaque indices and bleeding were lower in smokers compared with non-smokers whilst loss of clinical attachment and pocket depths were greater in smokers than non-smokers.

Conclusion

Smoking must be considered to be a major risk factor for periodontal diseases, even a young age and also, even if 5 and 10 cigarettes have been smoked per day for less than 5 years.

Commentary

This study highlights the importance of an anti-smoking programme, even from a very early age.