The Impact of Smoking on Periodontal Disease

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 2 views

The Difference Between Alveolar Bone Loss in Tooth Incisors and Upper Jaw Molars in Chronic Periodontitis Patients, Smokers and Non-Smokers

Introduction

Periodontitis is a common oral cavity disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Chronic periodontitis is a form of the disease that is characterized by inflammation, the formation of periodontal pockets, loss of attachment, and loss of bone. Smoking is a major risk factor that is directly associated with periodontal disease. In Indonesia, the prevalence of smoking reached 56.7% in men and 1.9% in women in 2013. Smoking habits can modify the response of periodontal tissue to microbial infections and affect the level of cytokines in the body.

The Impact of Smoking on Periodontal Disease

Smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease, and it can modify the response of periodontal tissue to microbial infections. Smoking can also affect the level of cytokines in the body, which can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. Some studies have shown that smokers experience more significant bone loss than non-smokers, especially in incisors and molars. This study aims to investigate the difference in alveolar bone height in incisors and upper jaw molars between chronic periodontitis patients who smoke and who are not smoking.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 74 samples were taken from patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis in the USU RSGM RSGM Periodonsia installation. The samples were selected using purposive sampling techniques. A total of 127 periapical photos were measured to determine the distance from the Cemento enamel junction to the top of the alveolar bone, the distance from the peak of the alveolar bone to the root apex, and the percentage of alveolar bone loss for incisors and upper molars' teeth.

Results

The results showed a difference in alveolar bone loss, although not significant in the upper jaw incisors (P> 0.05). Conversely, there is a significant difference in alveolar bone loss in the upper jaw molar between smokers and non-smokers (p <0.05).

Analysis and Explanation

From the results of the research above, we can conclude that smokers experience a greater impact on the health of periodontal tissue, especially in molars. This could be caused by various factors, such as the influence of nicotine which can interfere with blood circulation and tissue ability to improve themselves. In addition, exposure to harmful substances in cigarettes can worsen the inflammatory response that occurs in periodontitis.

The significant difference in alveolar bone loss in molar teeth compared to incisors in smokers shows that molar teeth, which function as the main chewing teeth, may be more susceptible to detrimental effects of smoking. This of course has a long-term consequence for oral health, which in the end can lead to teeth loss if not treated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found a significant difference in alveolar bone loss in the upper jaw molar between smokers and non-smokers. This suggests that smokers are more likely to experience periodontal disease and bone loss, especially in molars. This study highlights the importance of educating patients about the risk of smoking and its impact on dental health and gums. Providing appropriate interventions, including smoking cessation programs, can help reduce the prevalence of periodontitis in smokers and improve their quality of life.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Educate patients about the risk of smoking and its impact on dental health and gums.
Provide smoking cessation programs to help reduce the prevalence of periodontitis in smokers.
Conduct further research to better understand the mechanism that underlies the difference in alveolar bone loss between smokers and non-smokers.
Develop a more effective prevention strategy to reduce the prevalence of periodontitis in smokers.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small.
The study only included patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis.
The study did not control for other factors that may affect periodontal disease, such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the mechanism that underlies the difference in alveolar bone loss between smokers and non-smokers.
Develop a more effective prevention strategy to reduce the prevalence of periodontitis in smokers.
Conduct a larger study to confirm the findings of this study.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, such as additional tables and figures, can be included here]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alveolar Bone Loss in Tooth Incisors and Upper Jaw Molars in Chronic Periodontitis Patients, Smokers and Non-Smokers

Q: What is alveolar bone loss?

A: Alveolar bone loss refers to the loss of bone that supports the teeth in the jaw. It is a common complication of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Q: What is the difference between alveolar bone loss in tooth incisors and upper jaw molars in chronic periodontitis patients, smokers and non-smokers?

A: This study found that smokers experience a greater impact on the health of periodontal tissue, especially in molars. The significant difference in alveolar bone loss in molar teeth compared to incisors in smokers shows that molar teeth, which function as the main chewing teeth, may be more susceptible to detrimental effects of smoking.

Q: What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?

A: The risk factors for periodontal disease include:

Smoking
Poor oral hygiene
Genetics
Age
Sex
Socioeconomic status
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease

Q: How can I prevent periodontal disease?

A: To prevent periodontal disease, you should:

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
Manage any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease

Q: What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

A: The symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Pain or tenderness in the gums or teeth
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Q: How can I treat periodontal disease?

A: Treatment for periodontal disease typically involves a combination of the following:

Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing
Antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwash
Surgery to repair damaged tissue or bone
Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed

Q: Can periodontal disease be reversed?

A: In some cases, periodontal disease can be reversed with treatment. However, in more advanced cases, the damage may be irreversible. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage and promote healing.

Q: How can I quit smoking to prevent periodontal disease?

A: Quitting smoking can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help you. You can:

Talk to your doctor or dentist about your desire to quit smoking
Use nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum or patches
Try non-nicotine prescription medications, such as bupropion or varenicline
Join a support group or counseling program to help you stay motivated and accountable

Q: What are the long-term consequences of periodontal disease?

A: The long-term consequences of periodontal disease can include:

Tooth loss
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Changes in your overall health, such as an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes

Q: How can I prevent periodontal disease in my children?

A: To prevent periodontal disease in your children, you should:

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
Manage any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease

Q: What are the most common age groups affected by periodontal disease?

A: The most common age groups affected by periodontal disease are:

Adults between the ages of 30 and 60
Older adults, who are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease due to age-related changes in the mouth and body

Q: Can periodontal disease be prevented with regular dental check-ups?

A: Yes, regular dental check-ups can help prevent periodontal disease by:

Detecting problems early, when they are easier to treat
Providing a clean and healthy environment for your teeth and gums
Educating you on how to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent periodontal disease

Q: What are the most common symptoms of periodontal disease in children?

A: The most common symptoms of periodontal disease in children are:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Pain or tenderness in the gums or teeth
Changes in the way their teeth fit together when they bite