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