Oxygen sufficiency in the gingiva of smokers and non-smokers with periodontal disease

Aim of the study

To compare the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in the gingiva (GS O₂) of smokers and non-smokers and to evaluate the long term effects of smoking on gingival oxygen levels.

Materials and methods

GS O₂ was determined by spectrophotometer on 110 gingival papillae of 62 smokers and 100 sites in 60 non-smokers.

Results

No difference was found for GS O₂ between smokers and non-smokers. On the other hand, the relationship between smoking and the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) was highly significant. This showed that the effects on GS O₂ could be compared with the MGI score at each level. The GS O₂ of healthy gingivae was significantly lower amongst smokers. In non-smokers, the GS O₂ of inflamed gingivae was lower compared with healthy gingivae.

Conclusion

It is probable that smoking brings about a diminution in oxygen function in healthy gingivae and reduces the capacity of adaptation in gingival inflammation.

Commentaries

This is a searching investigation to understand the mechanism by which smoking exerts its negative effects on periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, the results do not seem to answer the question satisfactorily. Therefore, more studies are needed to explain mechanisms for the noxious effects of smoking.