Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Chronic Periodontitis and Periodontal Treatment

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases and is characterised by gingival inflammation and alveolar bone resorption (Savage et al. 2009). Periodontitis is a multifactorial irreversible and cumulative condition, initiated and propagated by bacteria and host factors (Kinane 2001). More than 500 different bacterial species are able to colonise the oral biofilm and up to 150 different species of bacteria are possible in any individual’s subgingival plaque. There are two forms of periodontitis; chronic and aggressive periodontitis which differ from each other not only in clinical findings but also age of onset and rate of progression. Chronic periodontitis progresses more slowly compared to the aggressive forms of periodontitis and responds much better to periodontal treatment. According to a report by the World Health Organisation, severe chronic periodontitis leading to tooth loss was found in 5% to 15% of most populations worldwide (Armitage 2004). Hence, it can be considered among the prevalent and important global health problems in terms of quality of life.