According to a study in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers from Boston University are hoping make the public aware of their findings—cigar and pipe smoking could ultimately lead to early tooth loss and possible bone loss around the jaw.

"The most important aspect of the study is truly about cigar smokers. Cigar smoking is growing in popularity and this is the first study to show the effect cigar smoking has on the bone around the teeth," said Elizabeth A. Krall, PhD, MPH, associate professor of the Health Policy and Health Research Department at Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine, and lead author of the study.

The 23-year study looked at 690 men and concluded those who smoked cigars were 30 percent more likely to lose teeth than nonsmokers. Pipe smokers had a 60 percent increased risk of early tooth loss. The study also revealed cigarette smokers had a 50 percent higher risk of losing teeth earlier than their nonsmoking counterparts. The men were enrolled in the study between 1963 and 1968 and had checkups every three years for the duration of the study.

The findings are particularly important to counteract the glamorous image of cigar smoking, according to Michael Thun, MD, vice president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society.

"Intensive advertising has glamorized cigar smoking. Cigar smoking has gone from being smelly and old fashioned to an upscale habit that spreads quickly to kids who are impressed by the celebrity endorsements," Dr. Thun said.

He added that smoking—regardless of whether it is from cigars, pipes, or cigarettes— leads to excellerated facial wrinkles, early tooth loss, and a heightened risk of cancer.

Dr. Krall said people might view cigar smoking as less dangerous than cigarette smoking because they may not smoke them as frequently as cigarettes, and they may not inhale as deeply. But in terms of tooth and bone loss, cigars may have the same or stronger effect as cigarettes.

Dr. Krall and her colleagues are beginning a follow-up study to determine if nicotine plays a role in tooth loss. Specifically, they would like to discern whether or not fewer cigars could cause the same damage as multiple cigarettes. Results are not expected for several years.

In the meantime, Dr. Krall said she hopes the casual cigar and pipe smoker will twice about their pearly whites before lighting up.