Aims and Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of smoking on periodontal tissues on rural population of Nagpur district. Material and Methods: A cohort of 400 subjects was randomly selected from age group of 18 to 65 years (200 smokers vs 200 non-smokers). All the subjects were assessed using Community Periodontal Index and a structured questionaire. Result: The CPI scores 2, 3, 4, were significantly higher in smokers as compared to non smokers (P = 0.001) whereas CPI scores 0, 1 were significantly higher in non smokers (P= 0.001). Conclusion: within the limitations of the study it can be concluded that smoking has a significant impact on the periodontal health status of an individual. Thus increasing the chances of periodontal disease in smokers as compared to non-smokers