Dose-Response Association of Smoking with Periodontitis Severity Among Adult Males

Cigarette smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for periodontitis, and its dose–response effect on disease severity warrants focused investigation to guide public health interventions. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and dose–response relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontitis severity in 210 male smokers in Benghazi, Libya. Data were collected through clinical examination and a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Periodontitis was highly prevalent (87.6%), with 95.65% of cases classified as Grade C. Inferential analysis revealed a signific association between smoking dose and overall disease status (p = 0.005). A strong positive dose–response correlation was observed, whereby periodontitis severity (Stages I–IV) increased with both mean age and mean smoking duration. Additionally, 90.9% of Stage IV patients reported never brushing. These findings highlight the dose-dependent and compounding detrimental effects of smoking on periodontal health.