Impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in representative samples of three South American cities

Cassiano Kuchenbecker Rösing,Rui Vicente Oppermann,Mariel Gómez,Andres Toledo,Fernando Solanes,Jorge Gamonal,Hugo Romanelli,Paola Carvajal,Sabrina Carvalho Gomes,Ricardo Costa

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2019.vol33.0090

Cassiano Kuchenbecker Rösing, Rui Vicente Oppermann + Show 8 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2019.vol33.0090

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in a representative sample of 1,650 adults from Santiago (Chile), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tucumán (Argentina). A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather demographic and behavioral characteristics, including smoking habits. The participants were clinically examined to obtain gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI), and calculus presence values. Gingival inflammation was defined as a mean GI > 0.5. Heavy smokers presented significantly lower levels of gingival inflammation, as reflected by both GI and GBI, than both light and moderate smokers, despite their having increased amounts of plaque and calculus. Being 50 years old or older [odds ratio (OR), 1.93], a VPI ≥ 30% (OR, 28.1), and self-reported diabetes (OR, 2.79) were positively associated with detection of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the occurrence of clinically detectable gingival inflammation was lower in heavy smokers than light and moderate smokers. Older age, diabetes, and visible plaque emerged as risk indicators of gingivitis. Plaque and gingival indices are significantly associated regardless of the smoking status.

Highlights

There are limited epidemiological data regarding the occurrence of gingival inflammation in adults worldwide
The gingival index (GI) value obtained for the heavy smoker group was statistically similar to that of the non-smoker group
Only the light smokers were significantly more likely than non-smokers to have a GBl elevated to ≥ 50%, whereas the heavy smokers were significantly less likely to do so

Summary

Introduction

There are limited epidemiological data regarding the occurrence of gingival inflammation in adults worldwide. The majority of studies examining the prevalence and distribution of gingival inflammation have been performed in young children and adolescents.[1] Gingival inflammation epidemiology reviews have demonstrated that much of the information for periodontal disease has been obtained with systems not designed to assess the prevalence of gingivitis, such as the community periodontal index.[2] Anecdotal reporting has suggested that gingival inflammation may be a ubiquitous condition, affecting essentially all children regardless of geographical region.[3]. Interest in determined the prevalence and associated factors of gingival inflammation is based on its being a precursor of periodontitis, which can have negative health consequences, including systemic conditions, that affect quality of life.[4] Knowing gum disease-associated factors will

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