Introduction: Periopathogens can be found in healthy subjects, too, but in areas with periodontal disease they are found in greater numbers. In the oral cavity, there are multiple mechanisms for the effect of smoking on the host?bacteria interaction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of smoking and periodontitis on subgingival periopathogens.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 33 patients aged 25-65 years with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis and 33 periodontallyhealthy subjects aged 25-65 years were selected.
There were 11 smokers, 11 passive smokers and 11 non-smokers in each group. After periodontal examinations, GCF samples were collected from the deepest pocket of each quadrant and sent to the laboratory. The bacterial colony counts were determined and recorded. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and LSD tests (a=0.05).
Results: Periodontitis (p value<0.001) and smoking (p value<0.001) had significant effects on P. gingivalis colony counts. Also, P. intermedia colony counts were significantly affected by both periodontitis (p value<0.001) and smoking (p value<0.001). Furthermore, F. nucleatum colony counts were significantly affected by periodontitis (p value<0.001) and smoking status (p value<0.001).
Conclusion: Smoking (active and passive) had significant effects on the colony counts of P.i., F.n. and P.g. colonies in periodontitis.