Table 2.

Proposed mechanisms for negative periodontal effects of smoking

Vascular alterations

Altered neutrophill function

Decreased IgG production

Decreased lymphocyte proliferation

Increased prevalence of periopathogens

Difficulty in eliminating pathogens by mechanical therapy

Altered fibroblast attachment and function

Negative local effects on cytokine and growth factor production

IgG - Immunoglobulin G