Production of volatile sulphur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets is significantly increased in smokers.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken in order to test the hypothesis that the consequences of tobacco smoking may include increased synthesis of toxic volatile sulphur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, parallel study comparing groups of smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis and the level of volatile sulphur compounds in the gingival sulci of these subjects.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Levels of volatile sulphur compounds were measured in diseased periodontal sites of 12 smokers and 11 non-smokers using a portable sulphide monitor. Anaerobic and aerobic counts of the total cultivable subgingival microflora of both groups were also determined.

RESULTS

The percentage of sites per subject with high levels of sulphides (> or = 10 units) detected in moderate (4-6 mm) and deep (> or = 7 mm) periodontal pockets was found to be significantly higher in smokers, compared to non-smokers (P = 0.040 and P = 0.005, respectively). No significant difference in the microbiological parameters tested were observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased production of volatile sulphur compounds may represent a further mechanism of increased susceptibility to periodontitis in smokers and also help to explain the reported association between smoking and halitosis.