Predictors of smoking cessation in smokers with chronic periodontitis: a 24-month study

Abstract The purpose of this 24-month study was to identify predictors of smoking cessation in a cohort of smokers with chronic periodontitis, attending a multidisciplinary smoking cessation program. Of the 286 subjects screened, 116 were included and received non-surgical periodontal treatment and smoking cessation therapy, which consisted of lectures, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy, according to their individual needs. During initial periodontal treatment, dentists actively motivated the study subjects to stop smoking, using motivational interviewing techniques. Further smoking cessation counseling and support were also provided by the dentists, during periodontal maintenance sessions at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Smoking status was assessed by means of a structured questionnaire, and was validated by exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) measurements. The Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence was used to assess smoking dependence. Of the 61 individuals that remained up to the 24-month examination, 31, 21 and 18 declared that they were not smoking at 3, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Smoking cessation after 24 months was associated with the male gender (OR = 3.77, 95%CI = 1.16-12.30), baseline CO levels less than 10ppm (OR = 5.81, 95%CI 1.76-19.23), not living or working with another smoker (OR = 7.38, 95%CI 1.76-30.98) and a lower mean Fagerström test score (OR = 5.63, 95%CI 1.55-20.43). We concluded that smoking cessation was associated with demographic, smoking history and cigarette dependence variables.

O papel do cirurgião-dentista no abandono do hábito do fumo / The role of the dental team at quitting smoking

O fumo representa a maior causa de morte e invalidez passível de prevenção. É também o maior fator de risco na prevalência, extensão e gravidade das doenças periodontais. O abandono deste vício por meio de estratégias empregadas por profissionais da área da saúde é considerado uma ação extremamente efetiva. As três técnicas: aconselhamento, terapia de reposição de nicotina e terapia medicamentosa são as mais utilizadas para a terapia antitabágica pela praticidade, segurança e grau de eficiência. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura é descrever estas três técnicas, bem como suas taxas de sucesso e a importância do cirurgião-dentista em auxiliar os pacientes fumantes no abandono deste hábito.

Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is also the most prominent risk factor for the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontal diseases. The cessation of this habit through anti-smoking strategies employed by health care professionalsis considered an extremely effective action. Three smoking cessation techniques: counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and drug therapy are the ones most employed by their simplicity, safety and efficiency. The aim of this literature review is to describe these techniques, their success rates, and to highlight the importance of the dental team at assisting patients to quit smokin.