THE INFLUENCE OF TOBACCO SMOKING ON THE PERIODONTAL STATUS OF STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective of the Study. To evaluate the influence of the intensity and duration of tobacco smoking on the condition of periodontal tissues among university students. Methods.A survey and clinical examination were conducted among 70 dental students aged 18–22 years, of whom 44 had the harmful habit of smoking. To assess oral hygiene and periodontal status, the Green–Vermillion Index (OHI-S), PSR test, and PMA index were used. Scientific Novelty.Tobacco smoking among young people in Ukraine is a serious social and medical problem that affects health, social behavior, and the quality of life of adolescents and students. This issue requires close attention from both researchers and public health authorities. Conclusions. The study showed that students who had been smoking for three years or more had a significantly higher Green–Vermillion oral hygiene index (OHI-S = 1.4 ± 0.09) compared to non- smokers (OHI-S = 0.6 ± 0.1), indicating deterioration of oral health. Periodontal disorders were more frequently diagnosed among smokers: the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index increased from 0.9 ± 0.1 in those who smoked for about one year to 2.1 ± 0.1 in those with more than three years of smoking experience. The analysis demonstrated that with increasing smoking duration, the periodontal condition worsens. The PMA index, which determines the degree of inflammatory process, rose from 8.2 ± 1.2% in smokers with a one-year history to 19.8 ± 1.1% in students who had been smoking for three years or longer. An increase in the number of deep periodontal pockets and dental calculus accumulation was also observed, indicating gradual progression of pathological changes. The obtained data confirm the negative effect of smoking on periodontal status and highlight the need for preventive measures among young people aimed at developing healthy behavioral habits and improving oral hygiene awareness.