Open AccessNicotine and periodontal tissues
Author(s) -
Ranjan Malhotra,
Anoop Kapoor,
Vishakha Grover,
Sumit Kaushal
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of indian society of periodontology (print)/journal of indian society of periodontology (online)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.309
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 0975-1580
pISSN - 0972-124X
DOI - 10.4103/0972-124x.65442
Subject(s) - medicine , dental alveolus , connective tissue , periodontitis , nicotine , smoking cessation , dentistry , exacerbation , periodontal disease , clinical attachment loss , gingival and periodontal pocket , immunology , pathology
Tobacco use has been recognized to be a significant risk factor for the development and progression of periodontal disease. Its use is associated with increased pocket depths, loss of periodontal attachment, alveolar bone and a higher rate of tooth loss. Nicotine, a major component and most pharmacologically active agent in tobacco is likely to be a significant contributing factor for the exacerbation of periodontal diseases. Available literature suggests that nicotine affects gingival blood flow, cytokine production, neutrophil and other immune cell function; connective tissue turnover, which can be the possible mechanisms responsible for overall effects of tobacco on periodontal tissues. Inclusion of tobacco cessation as a part of periodontal therapy encourages dental professionals to become more active in tobacco cessation counseling. This will have far reaching positive effects on our patients' oral and general health.