[The relationship between smoking and periodontal diseases]

The oral hygiene, periodontal status and smoking habits of 432 males were surveyed in order to study the relationship between smoking and periodontal disease. The results showed that there was no difference between smokers and non-smokers on oral hygiene and gingivitis. The percentage of smokers with periodontitis was higher than that of non-smokers. The prevalence of periodontitis in heavy smokers was higher than that of light and middle smokers and non-smokers. It was indicated that smoking may be one of the risk factors in the development of periodontal disease.