'Dentists have known for some time that smokers have worse oral and gum health than non-smokers, but for the first time we have shown that quitting smoking together with routine gum treatment results in healthier gums.'

Chronic gum disease, characterized by inflamed gums that increasingly recede from the teeth, can lead to tooth loss if preventive action is not taken. Smokers are up to six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers, due to the detrimental effect of smoking on the body's immune system.

Dental researchers who followed a group of cigarette smokers with chronic gum disease over one year found that some symptoms were more likely to improve among the people who quit during the study period.

The researchers' findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, provide yet another health reason for smokers to quit.

Buildup of Bacteria

The pioneering UK study followed 49 smokers with chronic gum disease over one year. All were encouraged to stop smoking through counseling and, in some cases, nicotine replacement therapy or medication. All of the patients received treatment for their gum disease.

One-fifth of the patients quit smoking. In those patients, gum health improved significantly compared to those who continued to smoke over the 12 months.

Gum disease is initiated by a build up of bacteria in plaque -- the sticky white substance that accumulates on the teeth if they are not properly cleaned. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed, and they begin to recede from the teeth.

At the same time, the bone that holds the teeth in place gradually is destroyed so that over a number of years, teeth may start to become loose and may fall out or need to be extracted.

Keeping Teeth into Old Age

Gum disease is usually painless and thus discovered only when people visit their dentist. The progression of chronic gum disease often can be prevented by a good, daily oral health routine, together with preventive care by a dentist and dental hygienist.

"Our study shows that people should stop smoking now if they want to increase their chances of keeping their teeth into old age," said lead researcher Dr. Philip Preshaw, a clinical lecturer in periodontology at Newcastle University's School of Dental Sciences.

"Often the dentist is in the best position to help them stop smoking, because most people, if they are going for regular dental appointments, have more contact with him or her than with their doctor," Dr. Preshaw explained.

"Dentists have known for some time that smokers have worse oral and gum health than non-smokers, but for the first time we have shown that quitting smoking together with routine gum treatment results in healthier gums," he added.

"It is very important to look after your teeth, because losing them will have a huge influence on your life. Not only will this affect your appearance, it can also impact on your confidence, lifestyle, and so much more," Dr. Preshaw pointed out.