Effects of cigarette smoking on periodontal health status among the fifth year dental students In Iraq

Abstract EN

The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal health status of smokers to that of non- smokers in a sample of young, dentally educated, healthy population.

Self administrated questionnaire and clinical examination for PLI, gingival bleeding, periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession was carried among 160 fifth year dental students (male) of mean age (24 years old) at Baghdad, Al- Mosul and Al- Anbar Universities.

The sample size that is used for statistical analysis consists of 50 smokers and 50 non- smokers.

The questionnaire included information about dental behavior, smoking habits, systemic health condition.

Results showed that smokers had significantly higher mean of plaque index, clinical attachment loss and gingival recession.

Non- significant difference in both gingival bleeding and mean of pocket depth between the smokers and non- smokers.

Clinical attachment loss in both smokers and non- smokers are higher at maxillary teeth than mandibular teeth.

Proximal and lingual sites showed higher attachment loss than facial sites in smokers compared to non- smokers, while facial site showed higher mean of gingival recession in smokers.

So it may be concluded that, even at such an early age and in spite of a high oral hygiene standard, tobacco consumption affects the periodontal health and such effect is a dosedependent especially for periodontal attachment loss and gingival recession.