The effect of cigarette smoking on gingival blood flow in humans

Abstract

This paper presents the acute effects of cigarette smoking on blood flow to the gingiva in 12 young smokers. Relative gingival blood flow (GBF) was measured by a laser Doppler fiberoptic probe placed 1 mm into the buccal sulcus of tooth no. 26. The probe continuously measured the flux of blood cells (velocity X number of cells) in the gingival crest. Relative skin blood flow (SBF) to the forearm and heart rate were also monitored continously; blood pressure (BP) was assessed at 5-min intervals. After resting for 5 min, subjects sham smoked an unlighted cigarette for 5 min, then smoked the cigarette, and finally rested for 25 min afterwards. Mean changes from resting for all variables were compared to sham smoking for each 5 min block. Mean GBF rose significantly above sham smoking values during smoking, and remained elevated during the first 5 min after smoking (p less than 0.05). Mean SBF decreased slightly during and after smoking, but the changes were not significantly depressed compared to sham smoking (p greater than 0.05). During smoking, BP and heart rate increased significantly over sham smoking (p less than 0.05). GBF increased almost linearily when the probe was placed into the gingival sulcus; this phenomenon did not occur when the probe was placed externally to the gingival crest. The theory that smoking impairs gingival blood flow may not be true in humans.

Epidemiological Study on Improving the QOL and Oral Conditions of the Aged. Part 2: Relationship between Tooth Loss and Lifestyle Factors for Adults Men.

“…The analysis conducted after adjusting for the extent of periodontal disease revealed that smoking does have an effect on tooth loss. It was presumed that this was due to the direct effect of smoking on the gingiva and was explained by acceleration of gingival fibrosis and compromised healing function of the gingiva, among the ill effects of smoking cited above (Baab and Oberg, 1987). It was found that those who have meals at irregular intervals have a greater probability of losing teeth in comparison with those who eat meals regularly 3 times a day.…”

Smoking is Associated with Increased Blood Loss and Transfusion Use After Lumbar Spinal Surgery

“…Research has shown that cigarette smoking is associated with decreases in cutaneous blood flow [28], however some others have found the opposite to be true depending on which area of the body the researchers were measuring [3]. The hypothesis that cigarette smoke may lead to vastly different outcomes in circulation responses depending on anatomic location may be important.…”

Periodontitis is related to lung volumes and airflow limitation: a cross-sectional study

“…Smoking is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal diseases [46]. The peripheral vasoconstrictive effect of tobacco smoke and nicotine reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to gingival tissue [47] and alters gingival inflammatory response [46]. Smoking also affects respiratory defences, promotes chronic lung diseases in respiratory infections, damages the airway epithelium and has effects on lung clearance by suppressing cough and the protective waving action of cilia in the airways [48].…”