Smoking and Periodontium

Cigarette smoking represents a major preventable cause of human disease. Smokers have significantly elevated risks of all-cause mortality and developing a variety of pathological conditions. A direct causal relationship between smoking exposure and the prevalence and the severity of periodontal disease has been firmly established. Based on this evidence dental health professionals should advise patients about tobacco's negative health effects as well as the benefits of quitting tobacco use. Tobacco cessation counseling should be a part of the armamentarium of the dental office.