Plaque Accumulation and Gingivitis Among (20-40) Years Old Adults Exposed to Different Smoking Methods in Mosul City

Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of various smoking methods (cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, hookah and their combination) on plaque accumulation and gingivitis among (20-40) years old in males and females in Mosul city. Material and Methods: To attain this purpose, 400 males and females aged 20-40 years participated in the study. The sample was divided into 8 groups of 50 participants each one, as follows: nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, electronic cigarette smokers, hookah smokers, cigarette smokers with hookah, electronic cigarette smokers with hookah, males, and a group who smoke hookah, and a group of nonsmoking females. (Silness and Loe, 1964) and (Silness and Loe, 1963) indices were recorded in the clinical examination. Results: The findings revealed that the plaque index in males using cigarettes and electronic cigarettes was significantly higher from those using hookah alone and nonsmokers. The plaque index is significantly higher in female hookah smokers compared to nonsmoking females. The plaque index does not differ significantly between female and male hookah smokers.  The effect on the gingival index was higher in male smokers of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes compared to non-smoking males. Gingival index was higher in females smoking hookah compared to non-smokers, and both males and females smoking hookah had similar readings. When comparing tooth brushing behavior among male smokers, cigarette smokers had the highest percentage of "no" responses. Conclusion: The study found that smoking cigarettes and electronic cigarettes with or without hookah has a deleterious impact on the oral health of males and females, which is manifested by increasing plaque accumulation and associated gingivitis.