Cigarette smoking represents a major preventable cause of human disease.
Smokers have significantly elevated risks of all-cause mortality and
developing a variety of pathological conditions. A direct causal
relationship between smoking exposure and the prevalence and the
severity of periodontal disease has been firmly established. Based on
this evidence, dental health professionals should advise patients about
tobacco's negative health effects as well as the benefits of quitting
tobacco use. Tobacco cessation counseling should be a part of the
armamentarium of the dental office.