ABSTRACT
Smoking is considered as a risk factor for health in our society. Furthermore, different and somehow contradictory results have been reported regarding the effect of cigarette smoking on periodontal status of patients. The present study compared the gingival index, plaque index and periodontal index in active smokers, previous smokers and non-smokers in patients referred to Shahid Beheshti Dental School and Abolfazl Clinic of Ray city on 2006. In an analytical study, 90 patients including 30 active smokers, 30 previous smokers with passing at least 1 year from smoking stop and 30 non-smokers were selected by non-randomized sampling method. Maxillary centrals and first premolars of left side, mandibular centrals and first premolars of right side, maxillary first molar of right side and mandibular first molar of left side were examined. The gingival and plaque indices were recorded by Loe and Sillness method and periodontal index by Russell method. The data were subjected to Kruskal-wallis, Mann-whitney U tests and Spearman coefficient ratio. The most values of gingival, plaque and periodontal indices were note in active smokers with the least values in non-smokers. The previous smokers were ranked amongst two groups. Significant differences were noted comparing three indices in the groups [all: P<0.001]. No significant differences were found between active and previous smokers regarding periodontal and gingival indices; however, comparison of the all other paired groups led in significant differences. Positive and significant correlations were found in two active and previous smokers regarding all indices and the number of packs per year. The results of the present study suggest cigarette smoking to be correlated with periodontium diseases and giving the smoking up may reverse the severity and development of the disease. These findings resemble most studies done in the field