Gingival bleeding on probing increases after quitting smoking.
BACKGROUND
Gingival inflammation associated with plaque accumulation is delayed or impaired in smokers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that smokers who quit experience an increase in gingival bleeding.


METHODS
A group of 27 subjects on a Quit-smoking programme were examined for changes in gingival health over a 4-6-week period.


RESULTS
The bleeding on probing with a constant force probe increased from 16% of sites to 32% of sites, despite improvements in the subjects oral hygiene.


CONCLUSIONS
This provides further evidence that tobacco smoking affects the inflammatory response and that these changes are reversible on quitting.
Nair
P
P
Department of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Dentistry, Kings College, Guy's Campus, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Sutherland
G
G
Palmer
R M
RM
Wilson
R F
RF
Scott
D A
DA
D000328:Adult; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000503:physiopathology; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D016540:Smoking Cessation