An Evaluation of The Effect of Passive Smoking on Caries and Periodontal Index in Preschool Children

Abstract

Objective: To observe the changes that passive smoking causes in early childhood caries and periodontal tissues in preschool children. Method: In our study, caries, periodontal, and plaque indexes were measured in preschool children aged 3-5 years and subjected to passive smoking. A 7-item questionnaire was administered to the parents. Results: Periodontal and plaque indexes of children whose parents were smokers were higher than those of the children of non-smoking parents. In the evaluation made according to the education level of the parents, it was seen that the mean plaque index of the children of the fathers who were secondary school graduates was higher than that of parents with university degree. It was determined that the plaque index of children who did not use fluoride toothpaste and did not consume milk daily were higher than that of the other children. It was determined that the caries indexes of children who consumed sweet snacks during day were significantly higher than those who did not. Conclusions: Passive smoking causes many changes in dental caries, periodontal health, and plaque status in preschool children. In order to protect the oral health of children in the risk group, preventive measures should be taken in the early period and routine dentist controls should be made. Key words: Secondhand smoke, dental caries, periodontal status, dental plaque index