RESUMEN
Objective: To evaluate the influence of cigarette smoking on severity of periodontal disease and to quantify the strength of this influence in relation to frequency and duration of smoking. Methods: Total of 223 male subjects aged between 20-55 years and suffering from mild to severe chronic periodontitis was assessed for their periodontal status. Clinical parameters recorded were PI, GI, BOP, GR, PPD, and CAL on four sites on each tooth present excluding 3rd molars. Results: On the role played by cigarette smoking, the results confirmed that its consumption increases the severity of periodontal disease in terms of clinical attachment loss. When compared between smokers and non-smokers, the smokers had mean CAL 2.67 times more than non-smokers. As the frequency and duration of smoking increased, the severity of periodontal disease in terms of GR, PPD, and CAL increased steadily. Conclusion: As per the results of this study, frequency and duration of cigarette smoking are directly proportional to periodontal disease severity indicating it as a risk factor.