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Smokers May Want to Kick Butt Before Dental Procedures

Smokers will want to quit before oral surgery in preparation for a prompt recovery

CHICAGO – November 11, 2003 – Swedish researchers may have found why tobacco smoking impairs the outcome of surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy. According to the findings published in the Journal of Periodontology, smokers will want to quit before oral surgery in preparation for a prompt recovery. Study Abstract *

“In this study we investigated the relationship between tobacco smoking and the inflammatory response in smokers who consumed 10 to 20 cigarettes per day,” said Michael P. Rethman, D.D.S., M.S., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). "What we found in tobacco smokers is that the body's defense mechanism was weakened, whereas the defense mechanism in non-smokers promoted a more favorable healing response."

Research also shows that tobacco smoking releases enzymes that could increase the development of periodontitis, a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and attachment fibers that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw. Once smokers quit, oral health begins to improve.

“Patients who want to quit smoking are urged to increase brushing and flossing their teeth and gums,” said Rethman. “It's suggested that the fresh clean feeling a person feels in the mouth after brushing and flossing may curb the urge to smoke. Ironically, these simple tips also help to prevent periodontal diseases.”

In conjunction with the Great American Smokeout in November, the AAP has launched a special section on its Web site at www.perio.org to educate people about tobacco's effects on periodontal health.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Tobacco and Gum Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Effect of Tobacco Smoking on Neutrophil Activity Following Periodontal Surgery. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online for $20.

Smokers May Want to Kick Butt Before Dental Procedures

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