In a study from Aarhus University, scientists found smoking can have a serious impact on the effect of the treatment of periodontitis.
This a widespread condition that leads to the degradation of the teeth’s supportive tissue and, in serious cases, to loss of the teeth.
It is estimated that around 40% of the population is affected by periodontitis, but there is a great deal of variation in how severely the disease develops in each individual patient.
Around 18 percent of Danes smoke on a daily basis, or occasionally.
The treatment of the disease is adapted to the individual patient, including deep cleansings of the affected teeth, information about the harmful effects of smoking and, in some cases, surgery.
In the study, the team examined the effect of different levels of smoking on the clinical results of the treatment of more or less advanced cases of periodontitis.
They found that heavy smokers with the most severe forms of inflammation obtained no benefit from the treatment.
While heavy smokers with moderate periodontitis only had a 50% effect from the treatment, compared to smokers with less tobacco smoking.
the study suggests the need for politicians and decision-makers to better incorporate referrals to smoking cessation courses in the treatment of periodontitis when developing new clinical guidelines and performance descriptions.
The team says this is completely new knowledge for the country’s dental clinics, and it should be taken into account when treatment is being planned for individual patients.
Dentists and dental hygienists currently refer patients to quit-smoking courses only to a limited extent as part of the treatment of periodontitis.
The team says this should be changed in the case of heavy smokers, a worsening of the disease may occur during a period of active treatment.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about four health conditions linked to gum disease, and new gel could treat gum disease by fighting inflammation.
For more information about gum health, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing scientists find effective prevention for tooth decay.
The study was conducted by Julie Pajaniaye et al and published in the Journal of Dental Research.
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