What are the effects of smoking on gum and supporting periodontium?
Smoking and oral health
Studies show that smoking is a major risk factor for periodontitis. Smoking affects the periodontal ligament as well as supporting bone thereby reducing the attachment of tooth to bone
The severity of supporting tissue destruction, alveolar bone loss is high in smokers than non-smokers
The blood supply to gums is altered in smokers which has a negative effect on the healing response. The response of gums for the scaling procedures in smokers is poor compared to that of non smokers.
Smoking shows evidences of reduced immune response of the body to micro-organisms. So smokers have lesser protection against periodontal infection and higher amount of alveolar bone loss
Smokers respond poorly to the surgical procedures as well.
In summary,
Smokers present with periodontal disease at an early age,
May be difficult to treat with conventional therapy and
Continue to have progressive or recurrent periodontitis leading to bone loss
So smokers have a higher risk of gum diseases than non-smokers.
