Smoking and Periodontal Disease in the Finnish Population Aged 30 Years and Over

Abstract

The aim of this study, which was part of the Mini-Finland Oral Health Survey, was to evaluate the effect of smoking on periodontal condition in the Finnish adult population. A representative sample was drawn from the population aged 30 years and over. The total number of subjects was 8000, 90% of whom participated in the clinical examination. Periodontal diagnoses were made according to the modified Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS). Information about age, toothbrushing, and smoking habits was collected by personal interviews. When the sample was divided into two groups (with and without periodontal pockets), the overall risk ratio (RR) was 1.39 and was slightly higher for men than for women. A log-linear model was used to study simultaneous associations and interactions between smoking, periodontal disease, and some background factors. In this model, smoking had not significantly affected the periodontal condition.

Effect of Smoking on Periodontal Health

“…In the present study the gingival index was found to be similar in both the groups whereas, Markkanen H [13] found a reduction in the clinical signs of gingivitis in smokers. It is suggested, although smoking is known to produce peripheral vasoconstriction, this is preceded by vasodilatation.…”

Tobacco smoking and risk for periodontal disease

“…The magnitude of smoking‐associated risk estimates reported in the literature varies considerably and so do the diagnostic criteria. On the basis of criteria related to pocket probing depth and attachment loss, respectively, estimates in the range 1.4–5.3 (Markkanen et al 1985, Hansen et al 1993, Stoltenberg et al 1993, Wakai et al 1999) and 1.9–9.7 (Locker & Leake 1993, Grossi et al 1995, Dolan et al 1997, Paidi et al 1999, Moore et al 1999) have been reported. Studies based on bone height criteria or combinations of criteria report estimates in the range 1.8–11.8 (Horning et al 1992, Haber et al 1993, Linden & Mullally 1994, Mullally & Linden 1996, Norderyd & Hugoson 1998).…”

“…The variation in magnitude of the risk estimates reported, however, is considerable. Risk estimates found from cross‐sectional and case–control studies vary between 1.4 and 11.8 (Markkanen et al 1985, Preber & Bergström 1986, Bergström 1989, Haber & Kent 1992, Horning et al 1992, Haber et al 1993, Hansen et al 1993, Locker & Leake 1993, Stoltenberg et al 1993, Grossi et al 1994, 1995, Linden & Mullally 1994, Mullally & Linden 1996, Dolan et al 1997, Norderyd & Hugoson 1998, Moore et al 1999, Paidi et al 1999, Wakai et al 1999) and those found from the few cohort studies available vary between 4.6 and 6.3 (Ismail et al 1990, Holm 1994, Norderyd et al 1999, Skaleric & Kovac‐Kavcic 2000). Some reasons for the large variation may be found in the type of study and character and size of the population studied.…”

Oral hygiene practices and risk of oral leukoplakia

“…smokers who have been reported to have poorer oral hygiene than non-smokers (15). It also appears possible that the use of toothpastes when brushing teeth may play a role in reducing the risk of oral leukoplakia.…”