Smoking is considered to be among the most important risk factors for periodontal disease. It has been reported that periodontal disease is present in approximately one half of all 19 to 30 - year olds, and in about one third of those 31 to 40 years, is associated with smoking.

A persuasive argument to stop smoking is that the chances of having periodontal disease are lower in former smokers than in current smokers. Former smokers still do, however, have double the probability of experiencing periodontal disease compared to those who have never smoked.

The probability of having periodontal disease increases with the amount smoked. There is, in fact, a positive linear relationship between increasing amounts of smoking and increasing levels of periodontal attachment loss.

More disturbing is that the risk of alveolar bone loss for heavy smokers is seven times greater than for those who have never smoked. Additionally, tooth loss is linked with periodontal disease.