From Smoke to Tooth Loss: The Public Health Burden of Tobacco on Periodontal Health in India

Abstract

Tobacco smoking is a well-documented modifiable risk factor for numerous systemic and oral health conditions. This review highlights the association between tobacco use and periodontal disease, focusing on attachment loss, periodontal pocket depth, and early tooth loss. Evidence indicates that smokers exhibit increased periodontal destruction, diminished therapeutic outcomes, and compromised oral health-related quality of life. Understanding the interplay between smoking behaviours, nicotine dependence, and periodontal parameters is essential to guide preventive and interventional strategies, especially in low- and middle-income populations.