Original scientific paper
Effects of Tobacco on Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity
Hrvoje Brkić
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Jadranka Keros
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marinka Mravak-Stipetić
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Tihomir Žiger
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Both literature data and everyday casuistics warn of harmful thermic, chemical and mechanical effects of tobacco smoking on health. Tobacco-caused changes involve the entire mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and partially that of the digestive system. The aim of the study was to investigate the smoking-induced changes in hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. The study included 50 long-term cigarette smokers of both sexes and 100 age- -matched non-smokers as controls. Nine parameters relevant for the evaluation of dentition and oral cavity mucosa were assessed. Results showed the changes in hard (discoloration, pigmentation, blurry appearance, enamel erosion, exposed dentine and cementum, alloplastic fillings) and soft tissues (gingiva, periodontal structures) to be significantly more frequently found in smokers than in non-smokers. Poor hygiene as an additional factor, subsequent reduction of pH and frequent xerostomia, make an excellent basis for the development of dental caries. Besides the effects described above, tobacco smoking also indirectly suppresses the immune system of smokers, induces changes in the oral flora, makes a smoker more susceptible to infections and significantly increases the risk of oral carcinoma.
This and other similar studies therefore suggest the need of in-depth consideration of appropriate precautionary measures (education, giving up smoking) and possibilities to eliminate the present damages.
Keywords
tobacco; smoking; oral cavity; tooth damage; periodontal damage; mucosal damage
Hrčak ID:
99424
URI
Publication date:
15.12.1994.
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