Effect of smoking cessation on the periodontal microflora

Abstract

Smoking is considered the greatest risk factor for the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontal diseases. Besides, smokers have higher risk of developing periodontitis, and a poorer response to periodontal surgical or non-surgical treatment, as opposed to former smokers. The smokers' oral microbial flora may explain these differences between smokers and nonsmokers, since studies have shown that smokers have a higher prevalence of bacterial species related to periodontal diseases compared to nonsmokers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of smoking cessation on the presence and amount of periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and Aggregatibacter actinomycetencomitans) in the subgingival biofilm after non-surgical periodontal treatment, using PCR real time technique. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity in the identification and quantification of microorganisms in samples of plaque already established by preliminary studies, we can introduce the use of this scientific procedure in clinical practice. 60 smokers with destructive periodontal disease that meet the eligibility criteria, who join the anti-smoking therapy service offered by the University Hospital Anti-smoking Ambulatory, will be recruited for this prospective study. These subjects will receive intervention to stop smoking and nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Periodontal examination and microbiological tests shall be performed at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months after periodontal treatment, prior to maintenance control. (AU)