Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Smokers”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Distribution of carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations in smokers and non-smokers.

Carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations were measured in 3487 subjects comprising 1255 non-smokers, 1933 cigarette smokers, 193 cigar smokers (39 primary, 154 secondary), and 106 pipe smokers (30 primary, 76 secondary). In cigarette smokers the mean carboxyhaemoglobin concentration was 4.78% of the total haemoglobin and 94.7% of smokers had a concentration greater than 1.7%. Primary cigar smokers had a much lower mean carboxyhaemoglobin concentration (0.93%), and only 10.3% had concentrations greater than 1.7%. Primary pipe smokers also had a low mean carboxyhaemoglobin concentration (1.36%) and none had a concentration above 1.7%. Secondary cigar smokers had a high mean concentration (6.80%) and 97.4% had values above 1.7%; the findings in secondary pipe smokers were similar--the mean concentration was 3.39%, 94.7% having values greater than 1.7%. The lower carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations in primary pipe and cigar smokers suggest that in general they do not inhale, and the raised concentrations in cigarette smokers who change to pipes or cigars suggest that they usually continue to inhale and to absorb large amounts of carbon monoxide and other constituents of tobacco smoke.

Carboxyhemoglobin↗

Smoking characteristics: differences in attitudes and dependence between healthy smokers and smokers with COPD.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the differences in smoking characteristics between a group of smokers with COPD and another group of healthy smokers, both of which were identified in a population-based epidemiologic study. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This is an epidemiologic, multicenter, population-based study conducted in seven areas of SPAIN: A total of 4,035 individuals, men and women aged 40 to 69 years, who were selected randomly from a target population of 236,412 subjects, participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Eligible subjects answered the European Commission for Steel and Coal questionnaire. Spirometry was performed followed by a bronchodilator test when bronchial obstruction was present. The Fagerström questionnaire was used for study of the degree of physical nicotine dependence, and the Prochazka model was followed for analysis of the smoking cessation phase. RESULTS: Of 1,023 active smokers, 153 (15%) met the criteria for COPD. Smokers with COPD were more frequently men (odds ratio [OR], 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 3.95), were > or = 46 years of age (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.31), had a lower educational level (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23 to 3.14), and had smoked > 30 pack-years (OR, 3.70; 95% CI, 2.42 to 5.65). Smokers with COPD showed a higher dependence on nicotine than healthy smokers (mean [+/- SD] Fagerström test score, 4.77 +/- 2.45 vs 3.15 +/- 2.38, respectively; p < 0.001) and higher concentrations of CO in exhaled air (mean concentration, 19.7 +/- 16.3 vs 15.4 +/- 12.1 ppm, respectively; p < 0.0001). Thirty-four percent of smokers with COPD and 38.5% of smokers without COPD had never tried to stop smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers with COPD have higher tobacco consumption, higher dependence on nicotine, and higher concentrations of CO in exhaled air, suggesting a different pattern of cigarette smoking. Cases of COPD among smokers predominate in men and in individuals with lower educational levels. A significant proportion of smokers have never tried to stop smoking; thus, advice on cessation should be reinforced in both groups of smokers.

Adult↗

Quantitative evaluation of the vasculature and fibronectin localization in gingival connective tissue of smokers and non-smokers.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that tobacco is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. The reason for decreased gingival bleeding in smokers is not known. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the localization of fibronectin in the extracellular matrix of the inflamed gingiva of smokers and non-smokers and to evaluate the chronic effect of smoking on the gingival microvessel number (NVES) and vascular surface density (VSD). METHODS: Seventy-four (74) adult patients with periodontitis were included in this investigation. Of these patients, 38 were smokers and 36 were non-smokers. Probing depths (PD), papillary bleeding index (PBI) of both groups, and the smoking habits of the smokers were recorded. Biopsy specimens obtained during periodontal surgery were prepared to evaluate fibronectin distribution and to quantitate the vasculature. RESULTS: The mean VSD values of smokers and non-smokers were 6.721 +/- 1.845 and 5.721 +/- 3.118 (mean +/- SD), and the mean NVES of smokers and non-smokers was 31.582 +/- 11.810 and 30.145 +/- 15.442, respectively. The difference between the mean PD and PBI values of the 2 groups was not statistically significant. The location of the biopsy specimen, whether in the anterior or posterior area of the mouth, did not lead to any statistically significant differences between the groups. In addition, the number of years smoked and the tobacco brand used did not result in statistically significant differences. The most intense staining of fibronectin was observed beneath the epithelium around the blood vessels of the uppermost region of the connective tissue, showing a fibrillar and diffuse distribution; however, there was no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that smoking does not affect the vascular surface density, number of vessels per mm2 stroma, or fibronectin distribution in subepithelial gingival connective tissue.

Adult↗

Urinary excretion of three nucleic acid oxidation adducts and isoprostane F(2)alpha measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers.

To assess novel liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric methods for measuring oxidative damage to nucleic acids and lipids, we compared urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (5-OHmU), and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OxoG), and an isoprostane, 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2)alpha (IsopF(2)alpha) in 234 healthy men (n = 113) and women (n = 121), 80 current smokers, 96 never-smokers), and 58 ex-smokers (no tobacco use for 3 years). The 8-OHdG and 8-OxoG did not differ significantly by group; 5-OHmU was higher in smokers, compared with ex- (p <.003) and never- (p <.0001) smokers and in ex- vs. never-smokers (p =.014) at, respectively, 13.5 +/- 0.7, 11.3 +/- 1.0, and 8.7 +/- 0.3 microg/g creatinine. IsopF(2)alpha was higher in smokers, compared with ex- (p =.007) and never-smokers (p <.0001) and in ex- vs. never- smokers (p =.002) at, respectively, 1.1 +/- 0.10; 0.74 +/- 0.07, and 0.51 +/- 0.04 microg/g creatinine. There were significant correlations among all three nucleic acid adducts and between IsopF(2)alpha and both 5-OHmU and 8-OHdG. Many smokers and ex-smokers had high levels of either 5-OHmU excretion or IsopF(2)alpha excretion, but not both. We conclude that 5-OHmU and IsopF(2)alpha are more discriminating of oxidative stress from tobacco smoke than the other two compounds measured. Whether characteristic patterns of excretion of these indicators forecast differential disease risk should be explored in future research.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

The measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide in healthy smokers and non-smokers.

The measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) level may provide an immediate, non-invasive method of assessing smoking status. The aims of this study were to use a portable CO monitor to compare the exhaled CO levels in established smokers and non-smokers. The exhaled CO levels were measured in 322 subjects (243 healthy smokers, 55 healthy non-smokers, 24 passive smokers) who applied to healthy stand during the spring student activity of Firat University in Elaziğ. Exhaled CO concentration was measured using the EC50 Smokerlyser. The mean exhaled CO level was 17.13+/-8.50 parts per million (ppm) for healthy smokers and 3.61+/-2.15 ppm for healthy non-smokers, and 5.20+/-3.38 ppm for passive smokers. There were significant positive correlation between CO levels and daily cigarette consumption, and CO levels and duration of smoking in healthy smokers (r=+0.550, P<0.001, r=+0.265, P<0.001, respectively. Spearman's test). When smokers and non-smokers were looked at as a whole, a cutoff of 6.5 ppm had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 83%. In conclusion, exhaled CO level provides an easy, an immediate way of assessing a subject's smoking status.

Adult↗

Effects of mecamylamine on spontaneous EEG and performance in smokers and non-smokers.

In a previous study, mecamylamine, a centrally active nicotine antagonist, exacerbated EEG signs of tobacco abstinence in abstinent smokers. In the present study, the effects of mecamylamine were compared in non-smokers and nondeprived smokers. Mecamylamine (0, 5 and 10 mg, p.o.) was administered to six smokers and six non-smokers; eight of these subjects were also given a 20 mg dose. Before drug administration, resting EEG was similar in both groups. In both groups, mecamylamine caused dose-related decreases in alpha frequency and increases in delta frequency; beta frequency was increased by the 5 and 10 mg doses. The similarity of effects in smokers and non-smokers suggests a direct pharmacological action rather than precipitated nicotine withdrawal. Significant baseline differences existed between smokers and non-smokers in systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, skin temperature and pupil diameter. Response time slowed in both vigilance and distractibility tasks and delayed recall was impaired. Mecamylamine increased ratings of: "relaxed," "nodding," "sleepy" and "coasting." This small-sample study tentatively suggests that nicotinic cholinergic mechanisms modulate brain electrical activity and cognitive function in smokers and non-smokers. Disruption of these neural systems could mediate the symptoms of tobacco withdrawal and be involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.

Adult↗

Salivary cystatin activity and cystatin C in natural and experimental gingivitis in smokers and non-smokers.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that subjects with natural gingivitis or periodontitis have elevated levels of salivary cystatins compared to periodontally healthy individuals. Increased glandular output of cystatins in inflammatory conditions suggests an active, most likely protective, rôle for these proteins in inflammatory processes. Furthermore, it has been shown that the development of gingival inflammation is suppressed in smokers during experimental gingivitis. AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether (i) the levels of salivary cystatins in natural gingivitis are related to smoking status, and (ii) to study whether experimentally induced gingivitis is associated with changes in salivary cystatin levels, in both smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Whole saliva samples were taken in relation to natural gingivitis, gingival health and 14-day experimental gingivitis in 25 non-dental students (14 non-smokers and 11 smokers). The salivary flowrate was determined. Samples were analyzed for levels of protein, cystatin and cystatin-C. RESULTS: Salivary flow and protein concentrations in cleared human whole saliva samples of non-smokers and smokers were not different from each other at any timepoint during the trial. With regard to cystatins, the results showed that in the state of natural gingivitis cystatin activity is lower in smokers as compared to non-smokers. In smokers, the resolution of natural gingivitis to the state of gingival health did not result in a change of cystatin activity and levels of cystatin C. At the end of the 14-day experimental gingivitis period, smokers showed a decrease in cystatin activity and cystatin C as well as lower outputs of cystatin activity and cystatin C. CONCLUSION: Smoking is associated with lower cystatin activity and output of cystatin C during gingival inflammation.

Adolescent↗

[What patients think about the living together of smokers and non-smokers on psychiatric wards?].

ISSUE: The results of an inquiry about the difficulties of companionship between smokers and non-smokers in psychiatric wards are presented. METHOD: Patients stated at the end of their treatment in a routine inquiry, by now focused on the issue of smoking, how they felt about the organization of their living together within the wards. Smokers have been additionally asked whether they would have preferred to be abstinent of tobacco and whether they missed supplementary therapy offers. RESULTS: About 70 per cent of the patients were smokers. The arrangement, giving permission to smoking in just one room of the ward, was agreed more or less by smokers and non-smokers. 30 per cent of the non-smokers would apply for a non-smoking ward. About 40 per cent of the smokers would prefer to stop smoking and missed suitable therapeutical offers. CONCLUSION: Restriction to just one room for smokers in each ward is accepted by smokers and non-smokers. A therapeutical offer to withdrawing from tobacco should figure among the routine offers of each hospital.

Adult↗

Serum TSH levels in smokers and non-smokers. The 5th Tromsø study.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking has a number of effects on the thyroid gland including the development of Graves' disease and thyroid multinodularity. However, the effect of smoking on thyroid function is more uncertain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 6,085 subjects (1,744 smokers) without thyroxine medication and 441 subjects (92 smokers) with thyroxine medication that attended the 5th Tromsø study in 2001, and 460 subjects (114 smokers) that attended follow-up studies after the 5th Tromsø study. Serum TSH was measured in the 5th Tromsø study, and serum TSH, free T4, and free T3 in the follow-up studies. Comparisons between smokers and non-smokers were performed with a general linear model with age, BMI, (and gender) as covariables. RESULTS: Serum TSH levels were significantly lower in the smokers than in the non-smokers, both in males (1.63 +/- 0.88 vs. 1.95 +/- 1.04 mIU/L [p < 0.01]), and in females (1.55 +/- 0.86 vs. 1.86 +/- 1.01 mIU/L [p < 0.01]). Serum free T4 and free T3 levels were significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers (14.0 +/- 2.2 vs. 13.4 +/- 2.4 pmol/L for free T4 [p < 0.05], and 3.89 +/- 0.79 vs. 3.72 +/- 0.67 pmol/L for free T3 [p < 0.01], males and females analyzed together). There was no association between number of cigarettes smoked and the serum TSH level. CONCLUSION: Smokers have lower serum TSH and higher free T4 and free T3 levels than non-smokers, which may be of importance when evaluating subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Adult↗

Attitudes toward nicotine replacement therapy in smokers and ex-smokers in the general public.

OBJECTIVE: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) doubles the chances that a smoker will quit smoking, but most smokers who attempt to quit do not use it at all or only use it inconsistently. We aimed to identify attitudes of smokers and ex-smokers toward NRT and to develop and assess the validity of a brief scale used to measure these attitudes. METHODS: We conducted a first mail survey of 256 smokers and ex-smokers to collect qualitative data and to develop survey items and a second mail survey of 494 smokers and ex-smokers to finalize the scale and assess its validity. The study was conducted in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1998 to 1999. RESULTS: The study resulted in a 2-dimensional, 12-item scale: the Attitudes Toward Nicotine Replacement Therapy scale (ANRT-12). The 2 subscales measure perception of the advantages of NRT (8 items) and the drawbacks of NRT (4 items). Internal consistency coefficients (alpha = 0.84 and 0.75, respectively) and test-retest correlations (0.79 for both scales) were high. The scales respected criteria of content and construct validity. Scores were associated with intention to use NRT, and among those who had ever used NRT, with the number of days of use. A disturbing result was that only 1 (16%) of 6 participants agreed that "NRT helps people quit smoking," and only 1 (24%) of 4 ex-smokers had ever used NRT. CONCLUSIONS: Many smokers and ex-smokers have inadequate knowledge of and negative attitudes toward NRT. ANRT-12 is a valid and reliable measure of these attitudes; it can be used by clinicians, researchers, and educators to improve use of and compliance with NRT.

Adult↗

Cotinine excretion (tobacco smoke biomarker) of smokers and non-smokers: comparison of GC/MS and RIA results.

With a validated GC/MS method, the tobacco smoke biomarker cotinine has been estimated in urine for 148 non-smokers (male; 43 +/- 13 years; median 5.0 micrograms/g creatinine; 95th percentile 104 micrograms/g) and 96 smokers (male; 39 +/- 12 years; 1002 micrograms/g; 2993 micrograms/g). For a subgroup of 50 persons, the GC/MS results were compared with those by a commercially available radio immunoassay. Both methods identified the same persons as non-smokers and smokers, respectively, and were closely related. For smokers, the relationship was distinctly closer than for the non-smokers (r = 0.90, p < 0.001, n = 14 vs. r = 0.41, p < 0.02, n = 36). The RIA values were 2.4 times (smokers) and 2.9 times (non-smokers) higher than the GC/MS results. This was probably caused by the cross reactivity of the RIA antibodies against other urinary nicotine metabolites, e.g. trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, and has to be taken into account to correctly compare results of studies obtained with different analytical techniques and for choosing cut-off points to discriminate between active smokers and non-smokers of between non-smokers with higher or lower exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Adult↗

Smokers in Västerbotten County, Sweden. What contributes to increased cardiovascular risk among heavy smokers?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse risk factor levels and risk factor patterns among heavy smokers compared to never smokers. DESIGN: An incident case-referent study. SETTING: The study was nested within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (VIP). SUBJECTS: 286 people (62 women and 224 men) claimed to be heavy smokers, i.e. smoked 25 cigarettes or more per day. For each of them, two referents (who reported never to have been smokers) were matched on age and gender (572 referents). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in biomedical variables and social and lifestyle factors were confirmed. RESULTS: S-cholesterol, s-triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, body weight and body mass index were all significantly elevated among the heavy smokers. Some gender differences were also found. Social and lifestyle factors differed significantly between heavy smokers and never smokers, but without gender differences. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy smokers carry a risk factor pattern corresponding to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Unfavourable changes in serum lipids and in glucose metabolism can exacerbate other deleterious effects of tobacco smoke on the cardiovascular system. Obviously, heavy smokers and never smokers differ not only in regard to biomedical variables but also to lifestyle and social health determinants. These are important factors to consider in public health efforts aimed at reducing the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases among smokers.

Body Mass Index↗

Evaluation of 2 methods to assess gingival bleeding in smokers and non-smokers in natural and experimental gingivitis.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the bleeding tendency as elicited by probing the marginal gingiva (BOMP) and probing to the bottom of the pocket (BOPP) in smokers and non-smokers in natural gingivitis and during experimental gingivitis. 11 smokers (sm) and 14 non-smokers (nsm) were recruited. When they had less than 20% approximal bleeding sites, they entered a 14-day trial period of 'experimental gingivitis'. Subjects returned 30 days later, after resuming normal oral hygiene procedures, for a final gingival assessment. A split-mouth design was chosen using 2 contra-lateral quadrants for each index (being either BOMP or BOPP). A consistently higher bleeding score of approximately 10% was observed by probing to the bottom of the pocket. At day 14 with both indices, a significant difference between smokers and non-smokers was detected (BOMP: sm=15%, nsm=30%; BOPP: sm=27%, nsm=44%). The increment between gingival health and experimental gingivitis was significantly higher in non-smokers than in smokers but comparable for both indices (BOMP: sm=8%, nsm=23%; BOPP: sm=9%, nsm=26%). Probing to the bottom of the pocket results in significantly more bleeding in gingival health and gingivitis as compared to probing of the marginal gingiva. This shows that evaluation of the gingival condition with BOMP, the method of choice with respect to gingivitis, can be used as a parameter for inflammation when comparing smokers and non-smokers. The suppressed inflammatory response to plaque accumulation, as observed in smokers, indicates that they should be identified as a separate group when they participate as panelists in (experimentally induced) gingivitis studies.

Adult↗

Quantification of fibronectin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in lung parenchyma: differences between smokers and non-smokers.

Fibronectin (FN) is a glycoprotein present in the epithelial surface of airways and in the interstitial parenchyma of the lung. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of FN in human lung parenchyma, and to investigate possible differences between smokers and non-smokers, both in lung parenchyma and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. BAL fluid was recovered in 21 individuals. Quantification of FN in BAL was done by a non-competitive ELISA. Twenty-six lung parenchyma samples were also obtained from lung resections. FN was extracted with urea and heparin. Quantification of FN in lung parenchyma was determined by a competitive ELISA. The mean +/- SD FN content in BAL fluid from smokers was 1.59 +/- 1.65 micrograms/mg total protein and 0.53 +/- 0.26 in non-smokers (p < 0.05). However, the amount of FN/ml BAL fluid was not statistically different between smokers (0.15 +/- 0.13 micrograms/ml) and non-smokers (0.106 +/- 0.07). The mean extractable FN in human lung tissue was 38.6 micrograms/g wet weight (31.7-45.5, 95% mean confidence interval) with no statistical difference between smokers and non-smokers. We conclude that in smokers, FN accounts for a higher proportion of the total protein in BAL fluid, and that there were no differences in FN content in lung parenchyma between smokers and non-smokers.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗

Airway blood flow reactivity in healthy smokers and in ex-smokers with or without COPD.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking has been associated with impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation responses in the brachial and coronary arteries (endothelial dysfunction). The aim of the present study was to determine whether the airway circulation is also affected and whether pharmacologic treatment has an effect on endothelial function in patients with COPD. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Airway blood flow (Qaw) responses to therapy with inhaled albuterol, which causes endothelium-dependent vasodilation, were measured with a noninvasive soluble-gas-uptake technique in age-matched healthy current smokers (n = 10), healthy ex-smokers (n = 10), ex-smokers with COPD (n = 10), and healthy lifetime nonsmokers. In the ex-smokers with COPD, the albuterol responsiveness measurement was repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with fluticasone/salmeterol and after a drug washout period of 4 or 8 weeks. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SE) baseline Qaw values ranged between 40.7 +/- 3.9 and 50.9 +/- 2.8 microL/min/mL anatomic dead space in the four groups (differences were not significant). The mean FEV(1) was 53.4 +/- 2.3% predicted in the ex-smokers with COPD. Albuterol inhalation increased mean Qaw significantly in lifetime nonsmokers (50.1 +/- 8.3% predicted; p < 0.05) and healthy ex-smokers (37.2 +/- 3.4% predicted; p < 0.05), but not in healthy current smokers (13.9 +/- 3.2% predicted; difference was not significant) and ex-smokers with COPD (9.7 +/- 4.5% predicted; difference was not significant). While fluticasone/salmeterol did not change Qaw significantly, it restored albuterol responsiveness (67.6 +/- 11.1% predicted; p < 0.05) in the ex-smokers with COPD; this effect was no longer seen after the drug washout period. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking is associated with a blunted vasodilator response to inhaled albuterol in the airway as an expression of endothelial dysfunction, with a partial recovery of albuterol responsiveness after smoking cessation in healthy ex-smokers but not in ex-smokers with COPD. In the latter group, combined glucocorticoid/long-acting beta(2)-adrenergic agonist treatment restores albuterol responsiveness. The role of endothelial dysfunction in the physiopathology of COPD remains to be examined.

Adult↗

Distribution of metallothionein in cigarette smokers and non-smokers in advanced periodontitis patients.

This study evaluated the effect of smoking on periodontal tissue in periodontal patients. Gingival biopsies were taken from the flap during periodontal surgery of 33 male patients with advanced periodontal disease (22 cigarette smokers; 11 non-smokers). Frozen sections were made immediately and used for hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa staining, and for detection of metallothionein (MT), a free radical scavenger. The expression and distribution of MT in these sections was studied using monoclonal antibody and immunohistochemical staining. The smokers had a large number of infiltrate cells in the gingival epithelium compared with non-smokers. Moreover, samples from the smokers showed high levels of MT in the prickle cell layer of the epithelium. In the non-smokers, basal and prickle cell layers of the gingival epithelium also showed detectable MT. Smokers, however, had a higher metallothionein-positive cell ratio in the prickle cell layer as compared to non-smokers. This increased level of MT in smokers may reflect an attempt to defend against free radicals in the gingiva of smokers. These results suggest that inflammation is much greater in periodontal tissues of cigarette smoking periodontal patients than in non-smoking periodontal patients, and that the defense against free radicals is heightened in smokers' gingiva.

Adult↗

Percentile curves for present teeth in smokers and non-smokers in an adult male population.

The purpose of this study was to obtain percentile curves for present teeth in smokers and non-smokers for use in oral health education. Dental examinations were carried out by two dentists. The number of present teeth in each subject was counted, excluding the third molars. Subjects consisted of 2,283 men aged between 25 and 54 years enrolled in the health insurance union of a bank in Yokohama, Japan. Each subject completed a questionnaire on smoking habits and number of cigarettes smoked. They were classified into two groups: smokers and non-smokers. The mean number of present teeth in both groups was compared with the Mann-Whitney's U test. Smokers had fewer teeth than non-smokers in all age groups (p<0.05). At the age of 50, the 50th percentile for present teeth was 26 for smokers and 27 for non-smokers. However, the 3rd percentile for smokers' present teeth was 20.5 at 40 years of age and 14 at 50 years of age, while for non-smokers it was 22.5 at 40 years of age and 19 at 50 years of age. The 3rd percentile curve for smokers' present teeth decreased in those aged 45 years and over. The percentile curves in this analysis showed a clear difference between the two groups. These data should be made available for use in adult oral health education.

Adult↗

Effect of non-surgical treatment on gingival bleeding in smokers and non-smokers.

According to previous findings, gingival bleeding seems to be reduced under the influence of cigarette smoking. The present study deals with the effect of non-surgical therapy on gingival bleeding in smokers and non-smokers. The underlying hypothesis was that the therapeutic effect in terms of reduction of gingival bleeding might differ in smokers and non-smokers. Twenty patients with moderate to severe periodontitis, 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers, took part in the study. Gingival bleeding was assessed by probing under a standardized pressure (60 g), and measurements were performed before and 1 month after the completion of active treatment. The active treatment included debridement of supra- and sub-gingival deposits by means of hand instrumentation. The treatment caused a reduction in plaque index and gingival bleeding both in smokers and in non-smokers. The plaque reduction was significantly greater in smokers. Nevertheless, the reduction in gingival bleeding was significantly less pronounced than that attained in non-smokers. The findings suggest that the gingival bleeding response to treatment is reduced in smokers. It would seem that in response to a given amount of plaque reduction the changes in gingival bleeding will be less apparent under the influence of smoking.

Adult↗