Smokers show significantly higher levels of body inflammation

A scientific study carried out by academics from the Faculty of Dentistry at Istanbul Medipol University demonstrated that the inflammatory process in the body becomes significantly more pronounced when smoking is accompanied by periodontal disease. The results showed that certain inflammatory markers measured in the saliva and blood samples of smoking patients with periodontal disease were higher compared to those of non-smoking individuals.

Led by Prof. Dr. Hilal Uslu Toygar and Assoc. Prof. Nur Balcı from the Faculty of Dentistry at Istanbul Medipol University, with contributions from faculty students Dr. Dt. İpek Bal and Cem Sorguç, the study titled "Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and TNF-α Levels in Periodontal Disease Associated With Smoking" was published in the journal Oral Diseases.

SMOKING AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE WERE EVALUATED TOGETHER 
The study examined a total of 100 systemically healthy individuals. Participants were divided into four groups according to their smoking status and periodontal health. This design allowed for a comparative evaluation of the effects of smoking alone and the combined effects of smoking and periodontal disease. Such an approach enabled a clearer assessment of how smoking influences the severity of periodontal disease.

The researchers particularly aimed to determine whether the inflammatory process was more pronounced in individuals who smoke and have advanced periodontal disease.

SALIVA AND BLOOD ANALYSES REVEALED NOTABLE FINDINGS 
Within the scope of the study, saliva and blood samples collected from participants underwent detailed laboratory analyses. The investigation focused on biological markers known to be associated with inflammatory processes in the body, namely Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and TNF-α. Previous studies have reported that these markers are associated with systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.

The findings demonstrated that saliva samples, which can be obtained easily from the oral cavity, provide valuable information regarding the level of inflammation in the body. The significant correlation observed between salivary measurements and blood findings once again highlighted the strong link between oral health and general health.

Researchers noted that these results suggest saliva analysis may serve as a practical and effective method for monitoring periodontal disease.

HIGHER INFLAMMATION LEVELS OBSERVED IN SMOKERS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE 
According to the study findings, individuals who smoke and have advanced periodontal disease exhibited significantly higher levels of TMAO and TNF-α in both saliva and blood samples compared to all other groups. The increase observed particularly in salivary measurements was considered noteworthy, suggesting that the inflammatory process may originate in the oral environment and subsequently lead to systemic effects.

In addition, a strong association was identified between salivary TMAO levels and TNF-α. This finding indicates that when smoking coexists with periodontal disease, the inflammatory process is further intensified and may disrupt the body’s overall balance.

WHAT DO THE RESEARCH FINDINGS INDICATE? 
The results of the study show that the coexistence of smoking and periodontal disease adversely affects the inflammatory processes in the body. The findings also suggest that periodontal diseases are not limited to oral health alone but may have broader implications for overall systemic health.

Researchers emphasize that these results may contribute to earlier detection of periodontal diseases, improved risk assessment for individuals who smoke, and the development of preventive oral health strategies in the future.