In recent years, epidemiological studies have pointed to a significant correlation between cigarette smoke and poor periodontal status. Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for the onset and development of periodontal disease, and an association between reduced healing response subsequent to periodontal therapies and cigarette smoking has been found. The epidemiological studies reported here are also supported by the results of an in vitro study on the cytotoxicity of two of the volatile components of cigarette smoke that we ourselves conducted, in which the investigated compounds were found to damage human gingival fibroblasts. We concluded that this damage would be reflected in periodontal health and could slow down wound healing. Patients should thus be alerted by clinicians to the risks smoking poses to oral and dental health.