Smoking may be responsible for more than half of the 
cases of gum disease among adults in the US, say 
researchers. 

The study found that current smokers are about four 
times more likely than people who have never smoked 
to have advanced periodontal (gum) disease. 

However, 11 years after quitting, former smokers were 
no more likely than non-smokers to suffer from bad gums. 

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention analysed US government health data on 13,650 
people aged 18 and older who had their own teeth. 


Gum disease can lead to tooth loss
 

Lead researcher Dr Scott Tomar said: "Cigarette smoking 
may well be the major preventable risk factor for 
periodontal disease. 

"The good news is that quitting seems to gradually erase 
the harmful effects of tobacco use on periodontal health." 

The researchers also found that the odds of developing 
gum disease were increased still further by heavy smoking. 

Dose effect 

Smokers who smoked less than half a pack per day were 
almost three times more likely than nonsmokers to have 
periodontitis. 

But those who smoked more than a pack and a half per 
day had almost six times the risk. 

Jack Caton, president of the American Academy of 
Periodontology, said: "Everyday periodontists see the 
destruction smoking causes in the mouths of their patients. 

"I hope the staggering statistics from this study will 
compel even more dental care providers to get involved 
in tobacco cessation efforts." 

Smoking reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to 
the gums. 

This damages the healing process, and makes smokers' 
gums more susceptible to infection. 

In addition to being a major cause of tooth loss, 
periodontal disease has been linked to increased 
risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory 
disease and premature babies. 

The research was welcomed by the British Dental 
Assocation. 

Chief executive John Hunt said: "This is very useful 
research showing just how bad smoking can be for your 
gums. If you want to keep your teeth, don't smoke." 

The research is published in the Journal of Periodontology.