It increases the risk of periodontitis

Apr 4, 2007 07:46 GMT  ·  By

Those suckers piss you off with their whims of not letting you smoke in all kinds of public places.

Dirtbags...

They do not want to renounce their teeth for your pleasure moments...

A new research published in this month's issue of the Journal of Periodontology points out that subjects with periodontitis (bone loss around the teeth roots) who were exposed to secondhand smoke were more prone to develop bone loss, the most important cause of tooth loss.

The investigators experimented on rats that were made to develop with periodontal disease.

One control group was kept away from cigarette smoke while the other two groups were exposed to either 30 days of smoke inhalation coming from non-light cigarettes (with higher tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels) or light cigarettes (with lower tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide amounts).

The research team found that bone loss was higher in the individuals exposed to secondhand smoke regardless of if the smoke was coming from light or non-light cigarettes than those who were kept away from smoke at all.

"Previous clinical research has proven a strong positive correlation between smoking and gum disease. However, this study is unique in that it evaluated the impact of secondhand smoke on periodontitis," explained study author Getulio da R. Nogueira-Filho, DDS.

"This study really drives home the fact that even if you don't smoke the effects of secondhand smoke can be devastating. Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle should include avoiding smoke filled places such as nightclubs, bars and even some restaurants," said Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS and AAP president.

"The Academy applauds the cities that are taking steps to make their hospitality industries smoke free so all patrons can enjoy not only a good time but also good overall health."