Effects of Smoking on Periodontal Tissues and Halitosis

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of smoking on periodontal tissues and halitosis. The study group consisted of 287 individuals. They received full mouth periodontal examinations and measurements of volatile sulfur compounds in mouth. The study group consisted of 76 non-smokers, 63 former smokers and 148 current smokers. The results showed that the mean clinical attachment level in non-smokers, former smokers and current smokers were 2.22±0.67 mm, 2.43±0.74 mm and 2.76±1.17 mm, respectively. Smokers had higher mean periodontal probing depth, mean clinical attachment level, mean number of sites with probing depth 4-5 mm and ≥ 6 mm than those of non-smokers (p < .05). The degree of association between the smoking status and the risk for halitosis was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Current smokers and former smokers were not at a higher risk for halitosis, compared to non-smokers. Heavy smokers ( ≥ 30 packyears) and moderate smokers (15 29.9 packyears) were not at a higher risk for halitosis, compared to light smokers (< 15 packyears). In conclusion, smoking had an adverse effect on periodontium, in terms of increasing probing depth and periodontal attachment loss. However, current smokers and former smokers were not at a greater risk for halitosis, compared to non-smokers.