Method: A cross sectional study will examine the periodontal status and smoking habits in randomized samples consisting of 120 participants between the ages of 21 - 70 years working as frontline hotel workers in the hospitality industry in Suva, Fiji. The participants will be divided into four groups: Smokers with periodontitis, Smokers without periodontitis, non-smokers with periodontitis and non-smokers without periodontitis, each group will consist of 30 participants respectively.
The following clinical variables will be recorded using the spilt mouth periodontal charting technique: clinical attachment level, mobility, bleeding, gingival recession, furcation involvement and number of missing teeth. In addition, a questionnaire will be utilised to determine the following demographic details: age, sex, socioeconomic status, education level, tobacco use, oral hygiene habits and alcohol consumption.
Results: The results indicate the prevalence and severity of clinical attachment loss ≥ 3.5 mm.
Conclusion: Cigarette smoking is a contributing factor to the increase in severity of periodontal disease and this is proportional to quantity of tobacco us. This supports previous studies which have concluded that smoking is a significant risk factor for tooth loss, increased clinical attachment loss and mobility. The bula smile is signature mark for the people of Fiji Islands therefore needs to be persevered in all ways possible. Appropriate and early management of periodontal disease will contribute to saving the bula smile.