Relation of Dental Caries Experience and Gingivitis to Cigarette Smoking in Males 17 to 21 Years Old (At the Great Lakes Naval Training Center)

Abstract

The relation of cigarette smoking to caries experience and gingivitis was investigated in 2577 naval enlistees, 17 to 21 yrs. of age. Those who smoked more than an avg. of 15 cigarettes per day had a greater number of decayed, missing and filled teeth and tooth surfaces than those who smoked less than 6 cigarettes per day. The incidence of simple gingivitis was not related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day.