Researchers have looked extensively at the impact that vaping and e-cigarettes have on gum disease. While smoking has been researched a lot in recent decades, e-cigarettes are relatively new. But the findings of this study found that e-cigarettes are very damaging, and can hasten gum disease. Therefore, e-cigarettes are bad for oral health and shouldn’t be seen as a “healthy” alternative to smoking.
Recent research from a team at the New York University College of Dentistry has found that e-cigarettes cause many problems for oral health, including gum disease [1].
The researchers found that e-cigarette users have a unique microbiome – made up of bacteria – when compared to non-smokers [1]. However, e-cigarette users did have better results than cigarette smokers [1].
This research shows that any form of smoking can be a big issue with oral health. Both hasten the development of gum disease, which can cause significant problems in the long-term.
The rise of vaping
E-cigarette use is termed “vaping”. E-cigarettes work by vaporizing nicotine and other chemicals. They are considered to be healthier than traditional cigarettes, but there is a lack of research to support this.
Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with younger people. In fact, a 2020 study by the World Health Organization found that many countries now actually have more e-cigarette users than cigarette smokers [2].
The same study referred to e-cigarettes as a “public health concern” [2]. E-cigarettes expose the user to toxic substances that can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung conditions [2].
Vaping and oral health
However, there has been limited research into how vaping effects oral health. It is already known that the bacteria caused by vaping makes a person’s mouth at risk of inflammation and infection [3].
It is known that smoking traditional cigarettes can cause gum disease. But the researchers were looking to see the effects that vaping has on oral health, including in terms of gum disease.
The research
The study was published in the journal Clinical Microbiology [1]. The researchers studied the oral health of 84 adults that were divided into three groups.
The three groups were cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users and people who have never smoked. At the start of the study, all 84 adults had a degree of gum disease [1].
The researchers then planned on assessing the gum health of the 84 participants at two dental exams, six months apart [1]. This would allow them to see the effect that use of e-cigarettes have on gum disease.
Gum disease was measured by the health of the gum ligament and the distance between the separation of tissue and a tooth’s surface [1]. This separation leads to the gum receding and “pockets” to be formed. These pockets are havens for bacteria and worsens gum disease [1].
After six months, the researchers studied the oral health of the participants. They found that gum disease had worsened for the majority of participants in the study [1]. However, e-cigarette users were affected badly, and much more than non-smokers [1]. Those smoking cigarettes were the worst affected [1].
The researchers analyzed the types of bacteria in plaque samples of each group. They concluded that e-cigarette users had several types of damaging bacteria. This created a unique microbiome for e-cigarette users [1].
Fusobacterium and Bacteroidales are types of bacteria that were found in large amounts in e-cigarette users [1], These types of bacteria are known to be associated with gum disease [1].
Furthermore, a separate study also looked at the 84 participants, albeit with a focus on how e-cigarettes effect periodontal disease. This study concluded that periodontal disease had worsened for e-cigarette users in the study [4].
What this means
These findings are very worrying. They show that e-cigarettes maybe a slightly healthier form of smoking, but that there are many health implications for their use. This research shows that this includes oral health consequences.
The researchers were able to conclude that the oral microbiome of e-cigarette users has many negative consequences. This includes gum disease and altered immune responses [1].
Fangxi Xu, one of the authors of the research, commented on the findings [5]. Xu said that vaping seemed to be “driving unique patterns in bacteria and influencing the growth of same bacteria in a manner akin to cigarette smoking, but with its own profile and risks to oral health” [5].
It is likely that over the next few years, further research will be done in this subject area. But for now, the evidence clearly suggests that vaping has dire consequences for oral health.
Thinking points…
- 1) Do you vape? Or maybe you know someone that does? This research shows the harm that vaping can do to your oral health. Also, it has a range of physical health consequences too. Try and quit vaping as soon as you can, remember there is plenty of support available!
- 2) This research talks about the impact of gum disease. It is important to attend regular check-ups so that the overall health of your oral health can be assessed by a dental professional. Consider booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.
It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadental.ca.
References
- [1] Thomas, S. C., Xu, F., Pushalkar, S., Lin, Z., Thakor. N., Vardhan, M., Flaminio, Z., Khodadadi-Jamayran, A., Vasconcelos, R., Akapo, A., Queiroz, E., Bederoff, M., Janal, M. N., Guo, Y., Aguallo, D., Gordon, T., Corby, P. M., Kamer, A. R., Li, X., & Saxena, D. (2022). Clinical Microbiology. (Ahead of print).DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00075-22.
- [2] World Health Organization. (2020). New WHO report reveals that while smoking continues to decline among European adolescents, the use of electronic cigarettes by young people is on the rise. Available: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/tobacco/news/news/2020/12/new-who-report-reveals-that-while-smoking-continues-to-decline-among-european-adolescents,-the-use-of-electronic-cigarettes-by-young-people-is-on-the-rise. Last accessed: 27th February 2022.
- [3] New York University. (2020). Vaping Changes Oral Microbiome, Increasing Risk for Infection. Available: https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2020/february/vaping-changes-oral-microbiome.html. Last accessed: 27th February 2022.
- [4] Xu, F., Aboseria, E., Janal, M. N., Pushalkar, S., Bederoff, M. V., Vasconcelos, R., Sapru, S., Paul, B., Queiroz, E., Makwana, S., Solarewicz, J., Guo, Y., Aguallo, D., Gomez, C., Shelly, D., Aphinyanaphongs, Y., Gordon, T., Corby, P. M., Kamer, A. R., Lin, X., & Saxena, D. (2021). Comparative Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol on Periodontium of Periodontitis Patients. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2 (12). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2021.729144.
- [5] New York University College of Dentistry. (2022). Evidence Grows for Vaping’s Role in Gum Disease. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/evidence-grows-for-vapings-role-in-gum-disease-1003964692/. Last accessed: 27th February 2022.
