Numerous risk factors have been reported that make patients with diabetes more susceptible to
periodontal disease,especially those with poor oral hygiene, poor metabolic control,
longer duration
of diabetes and who are smokers.41-43 Smoking was identified in many studies as being a major
preventable risk factor for periodontal disease and tooth loss in the general population and in patients with diabetes.
44-48 The dentist and the physician should play an important role in advising and supporting patients with diabetes regarding smoking cessation. The dentist should be engaged in counselling these patients and referring them to
a specialist organisation which deals with smoking cessation