The Influence of Smoking on Dental and Periodontal Status

Abstract

Using the method of the cross-sectional epidemiological study in randomized sample of an adult population an influence of smoking on the oral health (namely the periodontium and teeth) was followed. This study consisted of two parts, a selfreported questionnaire inquiry and clinical examination carried out ensured by uniformly instructed dentists. Dental status and periodontal status were assessed by DMF (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) and CPITN (Community Periodondal Index of Treatment Needs) indices. Statistical analysis was performed by NCSS 2007 programme exploited the descriptive statistics, X 2 test and logistic regression. The whole set contained 1473 respondents (694 males and 779 females) mean age 44.3 years. From this number there were 310 regular, 101 occasional and 230 former smokers, and 832 non-smokers. The assessment of dental status has revealed that smokers have a significantly higher DMF index compared to non-smokers (17.5 vs. 16.3), which was caused mainly by a higher mean number of decayed and missing teeth. The non-smokers had a higher prevalence of CPI 0 (healthy parodont). On the contrary, the smokers had a higher prevalence of CPI 3 or CPI 4 findings in all sextants (shallow or deep pockets). Smoking statistically enhanced the odds ratio of the mean number of decayed teeth (OR=1.3; p=0.04), and the odds ratio for complex periodontal treatment need with TN III finding (OR=1.3; p=0.098), however in this case non-significantly. The influence of the other variables, mainly of age, education, participation in preventive check-ups and consistent dental hygiene were also evaluated.