SMOKING IS PROBABLY THE SINGLE MOST SIGNIFICANT, MODIFIABLE RISK FACTOR FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE
INCREASED RISK OF
- Developing periodontal disease
- Developing advanced severe disease
- Developing Necrotising gum diseases
- Progression of periodontal disease
- Tooth loss
- Implant complications
- Oral and phayngeal cancer
SMOKING REDUCES
- Response to surgical and non surgical treatment
- Response to regenerative treatment
- Increases the risk of having refractory disease
- Smokers also have less bleeding than non smokers but deeper pockets
WHAT IS A HEAVY SMOKER?
- Smoking over 10 cigarettes is considered heavy smoking
- Cumulative effect – increased risks from cigarettes smoked/day/year
BENEFITS OF QUITTING
Each year from quitting reduces risk of developing periodontal disease significantly.
- Improved outcome to periodontal treatment
- Reduced risk oral cancer
- Reduced risk of tooth loss after 10 years
SMOKING CESSATION
Counselling & Pharmotherapy
- Nicotine Replacement therapy (NRT) patches/sprays/gum…
- Medications (GP prescribed)
Support
NHS stop smoking service
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/
E CIGARETTES
Available since 2004; third generation ‘JUUL’ Liquid containing
- 0-36mg/ml Nicotine
- Glycerine + Propylerne Glycol
- Flavourings
non combustable + no tar = reduce risk for periodontal disease but long term evidence is lacking. There is some evidence for lung damage.
- NICE approved as NRT but with reservations
- Suitable for current smokers only as part of smoking cessation
- non smokers to be advised of potential risks from nicotine and potential risks from flavourings & other contents.
- insufficient evidence to date of safety
The role of the Dental Team
Evidence suggests a lack of awareness of the risk of periodontal disease & tooth loss among smokers. Speak to your dentist about the risks of smoking on your oral health and ways of quitting.