Effect of e-cigarettes on oral health and the development of periodontitis

Abstract

Tobacco cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for oral diseases, especially periodontal diseases. Over the past few years, electronic cigarettes (or "E-cigarettes") have gained popularity. There is some evidence that e-cigarettes may play a role in helping people quit smoking, and they are occasionally seen as a less dangerous alternative to tobacco use. However, there are worries about their effects on health, notably in terms of oral health and the emergence of periodontal disease. Limited information is available regarding the effect on oral disease. E-cigarettes come in a variety of nicotine strengths and flavoring combinations, all of which have been associated with detrimental oral health issues. A growing body of research supports the idea that vaping or using electronic cigarettes may increase the chance of developing oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, cracked or broken teeth, and pain in the tongue or inside of the cheek. Even if e-cigarettes were less harmful, they still could lead to the development of periodontal diseases through the decreased antioxidant capacity of saliva, the inflammatory effect, cell injury, and impaired reparability. High levels of nicotine content and menthol-favoring additives increase risk of periodontal damage in e-cigarette users. However, conflicting study results are also published for smokers who transitioned to e-cigarettes. Even though benefits or value of e-cigarettes as a substitute for tobacco cigarettes are still unknown, their impact on periodontal and general health status is still prominent.