What are E-cigarettes?
Similar to traditional cigarettes, E-cigarettes deliver nicotine to the respiratory system. Unlike traditional cigarettes, they use a battery-powered inhalable aerosol, meaning they don’t have the traditional elements one thinks of with cigarettes. The aerosol contains propylene glycol, nicotine, other flavorants and toxins, such as: acetaldehyde, acrolein, toluene, and formaldehyde. They can look similar to a plastic cigarette or can be camouflaged in containers shaped like common everyday products.
Electronic cigarettes vs. Traditional Cigarettes
E-cigarettes aren’t healthy! According to the Nature Reviews Cardiology, it appears likely that e-cigarettes contribute to cardiovascular risk, but are less severe than traditional cigarettes. While seemingly less severe, it seems that the demographic using them very rarely put them down. A person might smoke one traditional cigarette in a few hours, where an e-cigarette user might never put their device down, taking continuous puffs. Evidence is building that e-cigarettes can have potential health risks and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
In the mouth, e-cigarettes deliver the same amount of nicotine as cigarettes. This can cause nicotine stomatitis, or smoker’s palate. This can decrease blood flow to surrounding tissues, which can lead to gum disease and other oral infections and complications.
What can I do to avoid or quit using e-cigarettes?
Current evidence suggests that E-cigarettes are less harmful than combustible tobacco for systemic and oral health. However, e-cigarettes are not harm-free, and are not recommended as aids to quit smoking. With the FDA delaying any regulation on e-cigarettes until 2022, it’s wise to avoid them altogether. If you’ve picked up the habit, and you want to quit, ask your dentist or physician for assistance. You can also call 1.800.QUIT.NOW.
Resources
- Jamal A , Gentzke A, Hu SS, et al. Tobacco use among middle and high school students- United States, 2011-2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66(23): 597-603
- FDA News Release. FDA announces comprehensive regulatory plan to shift trajectory of tobacco-related disease, death.2017. webcitation.org6uf4uAFYK. Accessed Nov.1,2017.
- Benowitz NL, Fraiman JB. Cardiovascular effects of electronic cigarettes. Nat Rev Cardiol 2017; 14(8): 447-456.
- Collins J. The oral effects of vaping: Patient education. Dentistry IQ 2016. webcitation.org/6wYDoHJKc
- Image link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157551927@N08/39549059775
AUTHOR
Dr. Hatem AbdelhadiDr. Hatem and Team provide innovative and effective dental treatment to patients of Orange County. With an emphasis on cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, Dr. Hatem provides treatments such as Invisalign, implants, veneers, whitening, dentures, and endodontics. Dr. Hatem's practice is located in Los Alamitos, California.