Study links secondhand smoke and periodontal disease

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Study links secondhand smoke and periodontal disease

 

Secondhand Smoke and Periodontal Disease

Study links secondhand smoke and periodontal disease. Exposure of a few hours each day can double the risk for severe periodontal disease.
Smokers have a higher risk of periodontal disease: "In 2004, the US surgeon general concluded that the scientific evidence was sufficient to infer a causal relationship between tobacco and periodontal disease." But now secondhand smoke can contribute to risk as well.
As with effects on our lungs, toxins can still be inhaled through secondhand smoke. The toxins in cigarettes, among other harmful effects, can cause vasoconstriction/keratinization thus reducing blood flow to our tissues. The toxins can also decrease the effectiveness of our immune system in fighting off the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
ADA News Feb 6, 2012
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300069 

Genetics also play a role in periodontal disease, so those exposed to secondhand smoke from family could have skewed the data. The study also attempted to consider age, frequency of dental visits, diabetes, race, sex, education, alcohol consumption, and other medications but these factors all make it tough to identify any contributing effects.