Catania, April 22 – A recent expert review published in the Journal of Dentistry highlights the compounded oral health challenges faced by smokers.
Beyond the well-known risks of lung and heart diseases, cigarette smoking negatively affects both the effectiveness of preventive dental treatments and the progression of diseases affecting the gums and teeth.
It contributes to the onset of dental caries—due to reduced saliva production and alterations in the oral microbiota—and to the accumulation of dental plaque, a primary factor in the development of various oral pathologies.
An international research group coordinated by CoEHAR (Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction) in Catania—with contributions from experts in Moldova, Poland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Turkey, republic of Korea, Jordan, Kazakhstan, UK, and Italy—conducted a study aimed at summarizing current scientific evidence on a topic that is often overlooked.
Their goal: to raise awareness within the scientific community about the need to pursue further research in this critical field.
The study underscores that tobacco use accelerates plaque accumulation, disrupts the balance of oral microbiota, and impairs immune responses. Together, these effects lead to a faster progression of gum disease, a higher risk of tooth loss, and increased complications related to dental implants.
However, there’s a silver lining. Smoking cessation has been shown to significantly improve oral health outcomes. Dental professionals play a key role in supporting patients through quitting, using strategies such as behavioral counseling, pharmacotherapy, and even digital tools like mobile health applications.
The review calls for a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging greater collaboration between dental and medical professionals to address the dual burden posed by smoking-related oral health issues.