Smoking and oral health in older adults

This paper examines the relationship between smoking and oral health in older adults. The data are taken from a cross-sectional study of oral health and treatment needs among persons aged 50 years and over living independently in four Ontario communities. Data were obtained from 907 subjects. Half of these reported a history of smoking and one fifth were current smokers. Current smokers were more likely to have lost all their natural teeth than those who had never smoked. Among those retaining one or more natural teeth, current smokers had fewer teeth, fewer functional units, more crown surfaces with decay and more decayed root surfaces. Periodontal indicators showed that the extent and severity of periodontal disease were more marked among current smokers when compared with those who had never smoked. Current smokers also showed a higher prevalence of mucosal disorders and needed more dental treatment. Regression analysis suggested that the links between smoking and oral disorders differ according to the disease in question.