Effects of smoking on the oral cavity

Abstract

Introduction: Being the first relay, the oral cavity represents the first barrier to be reached by the effects of toxic and irritant substances contained in tobacco. Among the negative effects of smoking on the oral cavity: increased prevalence of periodontal disease (loss of periodontal attachment, increased depth of periodontal pockets and loss of bone Alveolar) and tobacco keratoses. Aim: Describe the characteristics of tobacco-related periodontal diseases and propose a strategy for primary and secondary prevention of these oral conditions. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study based on the files of patients who consulted in a dental office that were followed from 2013 to 2016. Results: Over a 4-year period, we collected 6720 patients, of whom 576 were active smokers (8.5%). Among smokers, smoking was found in 20% of tobacco keratoses (homogeneous and non-homogeneous) especially among heavy smokers who smoked more than 20 Year packages. Periodontal disease was observed in 80% of cases, more tartar formation in 70% of cases, periodontal pockets in 62% of cases, recessions or loss of attachment in 70% of cases, alveolysis in 61% of cases. Smokers group had more sites with deep pockets. Conclusion: Smoking is considered to be a major risk factor for periodontal disease, increasing its prevalence and is severity. It decreases the success of surgical and non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease. It also decreases the success of dental implants.