The relationship between smoking and periodontal disease. Review of literature and case report.

Cigarette smoking has been associated with tooth loss from periodontal disease for a long time. Smoking cessation has been shown to reverse these effects. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature regarding the possible mechanisms for destruction of the periodontium caused by smoking and to present a protocol for the implementation of a smoking cessation program at New York University College of Dentistry.