Electronic Cigarettes Are Dangerous to Your Oral Health
Many people are under the false impression that “vaping” is preferable to smoking. They incorrectly believe that electronic cigarettes are not nearly as dangerous to their health as traditional cigarettes.
Dr. Silberman advises that electronic cigarettes are dangerous to your oral health. Studies about the impact of electronic cigarettes on the mouth are reason for concern.
Many people are lured into trying electronic cigarettes, also known as “e-cigarettes” or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, because they are told that electronic cigarettes will help with smoking cessation.
People are also told that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, which contributes to convincing more individuals to adopting them over tobacco cigarettes. Another attractive draw of e-cigarettes for many people is the various flavors that are available.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), the general characteristics associated with typical smoking — such as the retention of vapor in the mouth, inhalation patterns and the degree of exposure of oral and periodontal cells — are profoundly different for e-cigarette users than for smokers of conventional cigarettes.
The NIDCR reports that studies are presently under way to evaluate the impact on cells, tissues and organs of the oral cavity, including the effects to the salivary gland function, saliva flow and the impact on periodontal cells, airway and lung tissues. Studies at this time suggest that some of the chemicals identified in the aerosols of electronic cigarettes are carcinogenic or genotoxic (or both).
The sale of electronic cigarettes is expected to significantly increase in the next decade and is projected to surpass the sales of conventional tobacco cigarettes. Dr. Silberman emphasizes that the rate of e-cigarette use has increased dramatically among youth with 13.4 percent of high school students reporting current e-cigarette use in 2014. And unfortunately, middle school-aged children use e-cigarettes at an alarming rate.
Another concern for parents is that studies show that teens using e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes.
Don’t hesitate to call Dr. Silberman if you have any questions about the impact e-cigarettes have on oral health or about any other dental matter. The Silberman Dental Group in Waldorf, Maryland, Family Dentistry, at (301) 885-2505 offers no-cost consultations about any of our dental services.
