Tooth mortality in smokers and nonsmokers in a selected population in Sana'a, Yemen

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts.

Abstract

Tooth loss was consistently and progressively higher in smokers.

Main

Al-Bayaty FH, Wahid NAA et al. J Periodont Res 2008; 43: 9–13

Tobacco smoking increases periodontitis and so may increase tooth loss. Yemenis have virtually non-existent oral hygiene and smoking is widespread. Over a period of 2 years, 2,506 persons were examined in a periodontal clinic in Sana'a.

In 548 smokers, mean tooth loss was 3.56, and in 1,958 never-smokers it was 2.5. In the youngest age group, 15-24, respective scores were 0.8 and 0.4 (P < 0.001), and in the oldest group, 55-64 yrs, they were 9.6 and 6.9 (P < 0.001). In all tooth types except canines, significantly more teeth were lost in smokers. The teeth most frequently missing were first molars.