Do smokers benefit from dental hygiene oral prophylaxis? A Nigerian pilot study

Smoking is a major, preventable risk factor for periodontitis. This pilot study in Nigeria evaluated the effect of dental oral prophylaxis on oral hygiene and periodontal indices among 13 systemically healthy smokers and 8 non-smokers. All participants received full-mouth scaling and root planing, tooth polishing, demonstration of correct brushing technique and a new toothbrush and toothpaste. After 6 months, debris index, calculus index, oral hygiene index and community periodontal index of treatment needs status code 0 scores showed no improvement in smokers. There was a 50% improvement of all indices among non-smokers. Smokers showed no benefit from dental oral prophylaxis in this study.