Gum Disease Treatments Lose Their Punch Among Heavy Smokers

By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Jan. 30, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Treatments for gum disease may have little benefit for heavy smokers, new research shows.

The study The results suggest the need to rethink the treatment of common periodontitis, a disease of the gums, according to researchers from the University of Aarhus in Denmark.

“To our surprise, we were able to find that the disease had actually worsened in some parameters of the hardest hit group, despite the fact that this particular group had received the most comprehensive and individually designed treatment,” co- study author Julie Pajaniayea dental hygienist, said in a university press release.

Periodontitis, or gum disease, causes the tissues that support the teeth to break down and, in severe cases, can lead to tooth loss.

For the study, researchers investigated the effect of different levels of smoking on the results of gum disease treatment.

According to the study, heavy smokers with the most severe forms of gum inflammation do not benefit from treatment. Heavy smokers with moderate periodontitis had a 50% treatment effect, compared to lighter smokers.

Around 40% of the population is affected by periodontitis and 18% of Danes smoke daily or occasionally, the study authors note.

Treatment for the condition is tailored to each patient, including thorough cleanings of affected teeth, education about the harmful effects of smoking, and in some cases, surgery.

Pajaniaye said the findings illustrate the need to include references to smoking cessation courses in periodontitis treatment guidelines.

“This is completely new knowledge for dental clinics across the country, and it should be considered when planning treatment for each patient,” she said.

Pajaniaye suggested that dentists and dental hygienists should refer patients more often to smoking cessation classes.

“As a heavy smoker with periodontitis, it’s very important to understand that working towards quitting smoking is a critical step in effectively treating the disease,” she said.

The results were recently published in the Journal of Dental Research.

SOURCE: Aarhus University, press release, January 26, 2023

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