National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What type of disease is periodontal disease most often associated with smoking?

1. Infectious disease

2. Autoimmune disease

3. Chronic disease

4. Genetic disease

The correct answer is: Chronic disease

Periodontal disease is categorized as a chronic disease, particularly in the context of smoking. Chronic diseases are characterized by long-lasting characteristics and typically progress over a longer period. Smoking significantly impacts the health of the periodontium by contributing to the inflammatory processes associated with periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Individuals who smoke are at a greater risk for chronic periodontal disease because tobacco smoke interferes with the host’s immune response, making it difficult for the body to combat infections and maintain oral health. As a result, smokers often exhibit more severe periodontal disease and may experience greater attachment loss and bone loss compared to non-smokers. In contrast, infectious diseases, while they can relate to periodontal issues, are generally acute and caused by pathogens. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells, which is a different mechanism than that involved in periodontal disease exacerbated by smoking. Genetic diseases are inherited and typically not modifiable by lifestyle choices such as smoking. Thus, the chronic nature of periodontal disease, especially as influenced by smoking, aligns with its classification as a chronic disease.