Association between cigarette smoking and periodontal health

The oral hygiene and periodontal status of smokers and nonsmokers were assessed and compared. Northern Jordanian adults, aged between 20 and 60 years, (998 subjects; 45% smokers and 55% nonsmokers) were asked for details of their personal data and smoking habits. Their oral hygiene and periodontal status was determined by using the Plaque Index and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs. Oral hygiene was poor in both smokers and nonsmokers; however, plaque and calculus scores were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to gingival bleeding on probing or shallow or deep pocketing.