Management of chronic periodontal diseases within the NHS.

Studies estimate that up to 60% of tooth loss results from periodontal disease. Oral health awareness amongst the public has increased dramatically over the last decade and patients now place a great deal of importance upon tooth retention. Given the potential for premature mortality due to cardiovascular disease, the '20-per-day' smoker may contemplate giving up in 'the future'. However, when faced with the loss of an anterior tooth, they will contemplate immediate cessation and many succeed because the immediate consequences of not doing so are very tangible and personal.