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Suppression of overt gingival inflammation in tobacco smokers – clinical and mechanistic considerations
Author(s) -
Scott DA,
Singer DL
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
international journal of dental hygiene
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.674
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1601-5037
pISSN - 1601-5029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2004.00079.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , periodontitis , inflammation , inflammatory response , periodontal disease , cigarette smoking , dentistry , disease , immunology , pathology
Gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissues. Periodontitis, in addition, involves destruction of the supporting structures of teeth. Diagnoses of gingivitis and periodontitis are predominantly dependent on clinical measurements of key inflammatory indices. Smokers are more susceptible to developing periodontal diseases, yet smoking masks overt signs of inflammation, presenting dental professionals with a clinical conundrum. We review the evidence that tobacco smoke may (i) cause acute periodontal vasoconstriction, (ii) inhibit periodontal angiogenesis in response to inflammatory stimuli, and/or (iii) suppress the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators. It is clear that the mechanisms by which cigarette smoking dampens the periodontal inflammatory response are not yet fully understood. Further research into inflammatory suppression is warranted and should point to improved methods of diagnosis, not only in smokers, but also in non‐smokers.