Why does smoking have a negative effect on periodontal treatment?

Smoking has a direct negative effect on oral health, especially in periodontal treatment. The nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco narrow the blood vessels in the gums. The tissues therefore receive less oxygen and fewer nutrients, which slows down healing. Smoking also reduces the body's defence against bacteria, so infections develop more quickly. After treatment such as scaling or surgery, smoking can lead to complications such as poor wound healing. The likelihood of periodontitis recurring is considerably higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Smoking can also mask the symptoms of inflammation, such as bleeding, so that problems go unnoticed. Stopping smoking before and after treatment greatly increases the chance of successful healing. Patients who continue to smoke after a periodontal procedure often have poorer treatment results. The periodontist's advice is therefore to avoid smoking for the best possible result.