Smoking and Teeth

[Guest guest]

Smokers who give up are much less likely to lose their teeth

prematurely than those who don't kick the habit, pioneering research

has shown.

 

Dental researchers at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,

observed a group of cigarette smokers with chronic gum disease over

one year and found some symptoms were more likely to improve in the

people who quit during the study period.

 

Chronic gum disease, which is characterised by inflamed gums that

increasingly recede from the teeth, can lead to tooth loss in its

advanced stages if preventive action is not taken.

 

The researchers' findings, revealed today in the academic

publication, the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, therefore

provide yet another reason for the 12 million UK adult smokers (just

over one-quarter of the adult population) and smokers worldwide to

quit their habit for the good of their health.

 

Statistics show that smokers are still up to six times more likely to

develop gum disease than non-smokers, because the detrimental effect

the habit has on their body's immune system makes them less well-

equipped to fight back.

 

The study, which is the first of its kind, followed 49 smokers with

chronic gum disease over one year. All were encouraged to stop

smoking through counselling and, in some cases, using nicotine

replacement therapy and/or medication. All of the patients also

received treatment for their gum disease.

 

One-fifth of the patients quit smoking, and in those patients, gum

health was significantly improved compared to those who continued to

smoke over the 12 months.

 

Gum disease is initiated by a build up of bacteria in plaque, the

sticky white substance that accumulates on the teeth if they are not

properly cleaned. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed, and

they begin to recede from the teeth. At the same time, the bone that

holds the teeth in place is gradually destroyed so that over a number

of years, teeth may start to become loose and may fall out, or need

to be extracted.

 

The disease is usually painless and thus only discovered when people

visit their dentist. The progression of chronic gum disease can often

be prevented by a good, daily oral health routine, together with

preventive care by a dentist and dental hygienist.

 

Dr Philip Preshaw, a clinical lecturer in periodontology (the

specialist's term for gum disease) with Newcastle University's School

of Dental Sciences, led the research. He said: " Our study shows that

people should stop smoking now if they want to increase their chances

of keeping their teeth into old age.

 

" Often the dentist is in the best position to help them stop smoking,

because most people, if they are going for regular dental

appointments, have more contact with him or her than with their

doctor.

 

" Dentists have known for some time that smokers have worse oral and

gum health than non-smokers but for the first time we have shown that

quitting smoking together with routine gum treatment results in

healthier gums. "

 

Dr Preshaw added: " It is very important to look after your teeth,

because losing them will have a huge influence on your life. Not only

will this affect your appearance, it can also impact on your

confidence, lifestyle, and so much more.

 

" For example, losing teeth could prevent you from eating a healthy

diet. You are less likely to chose to eat something like an apple if

your teeth are loose, because it would be difficult to bite and chew

it. "

 

The UK Government's Department of Health has promoted the idea of

smoking cessation counselling by dentists, and dental students at

Newcastle University are now taught how to counsel patients on this

issue as part of their degree. Newcastle Dental Hospital has a full-

time smoking cessation counsellor to whom patients can be referred.

 

Professor Raman Bedi, the Government's Chief Dental Officer, welcomed

this research, stating: " Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for

periodontitis, which affects the support structures of the tooth and

is an important cause of tooth loss.

 

" All members of the dental team, just like any health professional,

can play an important role in helping people stop smoking. On 31 May

2005 the UK hosted the launch of the World Health Organisation World

No Tobacco Day, and its theme focused upon how to engage health

professionals at every level in tobacco control.

 

" Newcastle University's Dental School is a shining example by

ensuring dental students are now taught how to counsel patients on

this issue as part of their dental degree. "

 

Amanda Sandford, Research Manager for ASH, commented: " As gum disease

is often painless, smokers may be completely unaware of the impact

their smoking can have on oral health.

 

" But the increased risk of tooth loss may be enough to persuade many

to quit smoking. Dentists must do all they can to inform patients of

the risks and to assist patients who smoke to stop before the disease

takes hold. "

 

The research was funded by the Special Trustees of the Newcastle

Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne.

 

CASE STUDY - Trevor Richardson

 

Trevor Richardson saw major improvements to his gum disease after he

stopped smoking.

 

Trevor, 55, a smoker since school, gave up after he underwent major

treatment with Dr Philip Preshaw, the study author from Newcastle

University who also works as a dentist with Newcastle Dental

Hospital.

 

Over the years, Trevor, a pensions manager, smoked a pipe,

cigarettes, and, more recently, around five cigars per day. Trevor,

who hails from Fenham, Newcastle, but now lives in Chester-le-Street,

said:

 

" Smoking was really something I did socially and you never quite

realise what it's doing to your health while you are enjoying it.

 

" However, I started to realise that something wasn't quite right with

my gums and teeth, and my dentist referred me to the hospital.

 

" I decided to give up on the first day of the treatment - and I

haven't smoked since.

 

" Not only did the health of my teeth and gums improve, I also started

to taste food properly and I looked and felt healthier in general.

 

" I can't believe I smoked for so long. "

 

Dr Philip Preshaw

44-191-222-8193

University of Newcastle upon Tyne

http://www.ncl.ac.uk