Periodontal bone height of exclusive narghile smokers compared with exclusive cigarette smokers

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the periodontal bone height (PBH) of exclusive narghile smokers (ENS) with that of exclusive cigarette smokers (ECS).MethodsTunisian males aged 20–35 years who have been ENS for more than five narghile-years or ECS for more than five pack-years were recruited to participate in this comparative cross-sectional study. Information about oral health habits and tobacco consumption were gathered using a predetermined questionnaire. Plaque levels were recorded in four sites using the plaque index of Loe and Silness. The PBH was measured mesially and distally from digital panoramic radiographs of each tooth and expressed as a percentage of the root length. A PBH level ≤0.70 was applied as a cutoff reference value signifying bone loss. Student t-test and Chi2 test were used to compare quantitative and qualitative data of both groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the ENS (n=60) and ECS (n=60) groups regarding age and the consumed quantities of tobacco (28±4 vs. 27±5 years, 7±3 narghile-years vs. 8±3 pack-years, respectively). Compared with the ECS group, the ENS group had a significantly higher plaque index (mean±SD values were 1.54±0.70 vs. 1.84±0.73, respectively). However, the two groups had similar means of PBH (0.85±0.03 vs. 0.86±0.04) and tooth brushing frequencies (1.1±0.8 vs. 0.9±0.6 a day, respectively) and had similar bone loss frequencies (15% vs. 12%, respectively).ConclusionsBoth ENS and ECS exhibited the same PBH reduction, which means that both types of tobacco smoking are associated with periodontal bone loss.

Toxicological impact of waterpipe smoking and flavorings in the oral cavity and respiratory system

“…Interestingly, the results showed no statistically significant difference in these periodontal inflammatory parameters among WSS and cigarette smokers (Javed et al, 2016a). Similar results were reported by Khemiss et al (2016) on periodontal inflammatory parameters among WSS and cigarette smokers. Results of an experimental study by Walters et al (2017) showed that light waterpipe usage is associated with epigenetic changes and related transcriptional modifications in the investigated the effect of WS on DNA methylation of the small airway epithelium; a pathologic characteristic also manifested in cigarette smokers (Buro-Auriemma et al, 2013).…”

Preliminary findings on the correlation of saliva pH, buffering capacity, flow rate and consistency in relation to waterpipe tobacco smoking

“…Moreover, the age of the 72 recruited students [mean ± SD (minimum–maximum) = 23 ± 4 (20–29) years] was similar to the previous reported of a local study analyzing smoking behavior among Tunisian students [ n  = 378, age mean ± SD (minimum–maximum) = 22 ± 2 (19–29) years]. [39] Almost all students have similar socioeconomic status.…”

Increasing popularity of waterpipe tobacco smoking and electronic cigarette use: Implications for oral healthcare

“…In two studies, waterpipe smokers exhibited higher dental plaque scores compared to non‐smokers . One study found no difference in toothbrush between cigarettes smokers and waterpipe smokers while another reported less frequent dental visits reported by waterpipe smokers . One of the limitations of the studies was that the specific microbial composition between groups (waterpipe smokers vs non‐smokers) was not determined.…”

“…Similar to the negative biological effects of conventional cigarettes on the oral mucosa, WTS is also associated with several conditions within the oral cavity including impaired inflammatory responses, susceptibility to candida infections, periodontal diseases, dry socket, premalignant lesions and oral cavity cancer (Table ) . Although the number of studies is still limited, WTS has been consistently associated with increased prevalence of periodontal disease as measured by increased periodontal pocket depth, loss of clinical attachment and vertical bone defects compared to non‐smokers . While periodontal disease severity tends to increase in waterpipe smokers, similar to cigarette smoking, WTS also results in decreased gingival bleeding .…”

“…This finding implies that impaired immune and inflammatory responses, which have been associated with the disease pathology in cigarette smokers, likely play a role in WTS associated adverse effects on the periodontium as well. In two studies, waterpipe smokers exhibited higher dental plaque scores compared to non‐smokers . One study found no difference in toothbrush between cigarettes smokers and waterpipe smokers while another reported less frequent dental visits reported by waterpipe smokers .…”