title: Validation of smoking status in clinical research into inflammatory periodontal disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tobacco smoking is an accepted risk factor for periodontal disease. Most studies in the periodontal literature rely on reported smoking habits which can be unreliable. This review specifically addresses this problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  Methods of assessing tobacco smoke exposure, variation in individual smoking habits, classification of former/ex-smokers, and validation of abstinence in smoking cessation studies receive attention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Additionally, clinical studies that have examined periodontal health in subjects with validated smoking status are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, Canada, R3E OW2.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stapleton
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation