While numerous studies have come forward in recent years pointing towards the drastic effects of what smoking combustible cigarettes can do to your body and well-being, this new study draws attention to the serious impact it has on the treatment of periodontitis—a widespread condition that leads to degradation of the teeth’s supportive tissue, and in really serious cases, complete loss of the teeth. Whether you’ve been struggling to come up with a reason to quit combustible cigarettes, had a recent tobacco relapse, or are just genuinely interested in the study, continue reading to learn more below.
The study
The study entitled, “Effect of smoking exposure on nonsurgical periodontal therapy: 1-year follow-up” was conducted by Aarhus University and published in the Journal of Dental Research. Researchers examined the effect of different levels of smoking on the clinical results of the treatment of more or less advanced cases of periodontitis.
While there are many advantageous health benefits of vaping vs. smoking, for the purpose of this study, only the effects of smoking were analyzed.
What were the results?
The study shows that heavy smokers with the most severe forms of inflammation obtained no benefit from the treatment, whereas heavy smokers with moderate periodontitis only had a 50 percent effect from the treatment, when compared to smokers with less tobacco consumption.
“To our surprise, we could see that the disease had actually grown worse in some parameters in the hardest-hit group, despite the fact that this particular group had received the most extensive, individually-designed treatment,” explained Julie Pajaniate, an MHH dental hygienist and one of the authors behind the study.
While the treatment of this disease is adapted to each period, with some only needing deep cleansings of the affected teeth, others require surgeries that involve removing the infected teeth. So, since it’s estimated that around 40 per cent of the U.S. population is affected by periodontitis—with severities ranging between each patient—there is a need for smoking cessation to lower the risk.
Currently, dentists and dental hygienists refer patients to quit-smoking courses but in the case of heavy smokers, a worsening of the disease requires active treatment, which is why e-cigs could be a crucial first step in boosting the effective treatment of the disease.
Do you know anyone that suffers from periodontitis? Do you think the health benefits of vaping vs. smoking would help them?
