Assessment of the correlations between nicotine dependence, exhaled carbon monoxide levels and oral hygiene status: an observational study

Abstract

Background and aimCigarette smoking has negative effects on general health, including oral health. The aim of our study was to assess the correlations between nicotine dependence, exhaled carbon monoxide levels and oral hygiene status.MethodsSmoker and non-smoker participants were enrolled in this observational study. The Fagerström test was used to classify nicotine dependences: low (score: 0–3), medium (score: 4–6) or high (score: 7–10). The oral hygiene status was classified according to the oral hygiene indices of plaque, calculus and gingival inflammation. Lastly, the exhaled carbon monoxide levels were measured with a MicroSmokelyzer (Bedfont Scientific Ltd., Kent, United Kingdom).ResultsSixty five participants (50 smokers in the study group and 15 non-smokers in the control group) were enrolled between 11th and 29th of January 2016. No statistical differences were observed between the study group and the control group in terms of age (mean age±SD 23.5±1.9 and 24.0±1.5, respectively) or gender (50% and 26.6%, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of plaque, (p=0.036), calculus (p=0.001) and gingival indices (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between the exhaled levels of carbon monoxide and the general Fagerström score (r=0.97, p<0.001) or the Fagerström score in smokers (r=0.93, p<0.001); a negative correlation was observed between the exhaled carbon monoxide levels and the number of tooth brushings daily (r=−0.41, p=0.001). The plaque index was statistically significantly associated with the exhaled carbon monoxide levels (p=0.008), general Fagerström score (p=0.016) and number of tooth brushings daily (p<0.001). The calculus and gingival indices were statistically significantly associated with the exhaled carbon monoxide levels (p<0.001), general Fagerström score (p<0.001) and score in smoker participants (p=0.029 and p=0.001, respectively) as well as the number of tooth brushings daily (p<0.001).ConclusionOur study found a significant association between the plaque, calculus and gingival indices and smoking. Moreover, nicotine dependence was significantly associated with the number of daily tooth brushings and the gingival index.

Oral Mucosal Lesions’ propensity as an Outcome Eventuated by Exhaled Carbon Monoxide (CO) Levels and Nicotine Dependency

“…Previous studies have correlated oral mucosal lesion incidence with smoking status wherein the smoking status was frequently confirmed by exhaled CO level (Frei et al, 2012;Moga et al, 2017). Likewise, in this study a greater percentage (67.9%) of individuals with both active and passive smoking status were diagnosed with some oral mucosal lesions.…”

Insights into the pathogenesis of nicotine addiction. Could a salivary biosensor be useful in Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

“…Different nicotine concentrations induced autophagic activity, decreased periodontal stem cells viability, and altered the periodontium cell turnover, which, when taken into account, induces and aggravates the periodontal disease. Oral hygiene and exhaled carbon monoxide were assessed on a group of 65 subjects (50 smokers, 15 nonsmokers) (38). Plaque, gingival calculus index, and CO were recorded.…”