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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Philip Preshaw, Professor Peter Heasman
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Smoking cessation improves the clinical manifestations of periodontitis; however, its effect on the subgingival biofilm, the primary etiological agent of periodontitis, is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate, longitudinally, if smoking cessation altered the composition of the subgingival microbial community, by means of a quantitative, cultivation-independent assay for bacterial profiling. Subgingival plaque was collected at baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment from smokers who received root planing and smoking cessation counseling. The plaque was analyzed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (t-RFLP). Microbial profiles differed significantly between smokers and quitters at 6 and 12 months following smoking cessation. The microbial community in smokers was similar to baseline, while quitters demonstrated significantly divergent profiles. Changes in bacterial levels contributed to this shift. These findings reveal a critical role for smoking cessation in altering the subgingival biofilm and suggest a mechanism for improved periodontal health associated with smoking cessation.
Author(s): Fullmer SC, Preshaw PM, Heasman PA, Kumar PS
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Dental Research
Year: 2009
Volume: 88
Issue: 6
Pages: 524-528
ISSN (print): 0022-0345
ISSN (electronic): 1544-0591
Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022034509338676
DOI: 10.1177/0022034509338676
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