A recent study on the influences of e-cigarettes on oral health has more bad news for men and women who believe vaping is less risky than smoking traditional cigarettes. In a study published in the journal Oncotarget, analysts determined that e-cigarettes may cause chronic inflammation and irreversible cellular deterioration. These conditions, in turn, can bring about gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss.1
Why is this article appearing on a pediatric dental blog? Unfortunately, many adolescents in the Houston area have taken up vaping. It has become an issue for dentists who provide care for adolescents.
As defined by the FDA, “E-cigarettes are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol containing nicotine or other substances.”2
Before e-cigarettes emerged on the scene in 2005, the number of people who smoked traditional cigarettes had remained fairly steady. The unanticipated rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, however, has generated a widespread health risk, especially for the nation’s teenagers.
“Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General found e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 900 percent, with more teens now using e-cigarettes than cigarettes.”2
Hi, I’m Dr. David Montz of Montz and Maher Dental Group. My experienced team treats patients suffering from smoking-related oral health ailments with expertise and compassion. We also attempt to provide trustworthy information about public health issues. We add our voice to the healthcare professionals who are working to inform the public about the risks of e-cigarettes and clear up the misconception that they are somehow less dangerous than traditional cigarettes.
Sources:
1Isaac K. Sundar, Fawad Javed, Georgios E. Romanos, Irfan Rahman, “E-cigarettes and flavorings induce inflammatory and pro-senescence responses in oral epithelial cells and periodontal fibroblasts,” Oncotarget, 2016, http://www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index.php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=12857, accessed April 24, 2017
2 “E-cigarettes and Lung Health” The American Lung Association, http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/e-cigarettes-and-lung-health.html, accessed April 25, 2017
Contact Montz and Maher Dental Group:
832-895-5120
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820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546