Cigarette Smoking &Gingival Bleeding among Chronic Periodontitis Patients in Khartoum Dental Hospital

Abstract

Background information: Periodontal diseases comprise a group of inflammatory conditions of the supporting structures of teeth, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Cigarette smoking is a major systemic risk factor for periodontal diseases. Microbial dental plaque biofilms are the principal etiological factor of periodontitis. Aim of study: Evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the level of oral hygiene. Materials and methods: Smoking status was assessed by Self reported questionnaire. The level of oral hygiene was assessed by plaque index (PI) Silness and Loe (1964) &Sextants were used according to FDI (WHO 1983).Result:70.3% of patients with poor plaque indices (N =239) were smokers. Alternatively, all patients with good and fair plaque indices (N =111) were non-smokers. Smokers risk of developing poor plaque index is more than twice that of non-smokers (RR =2.56).Conclusion: Smokers showed more plaque accumulation than non-smokers. Recommendation: There is an urgent need to start an intensive education program to the public on the negative health consequences of cigarette smoking.