Presenters: Ellie Heidenreich ; Ellie Price
Authors: Ellie Price, Alexis Pedersen
Faculty Advisor: Brenda Armstrong
Institution: Dixie State University
Introduction:Within the last several years, vaping—the inhalation of an aerosolized juice via an electronic cigarette—has been on the rise. The issue that will be reviewed in this research project is how vaping influences an individual’s oral health. Because oral health is so interlinked with systemic health, substances that compromise the oral cavity can impact an individual’s overall wellness and quality of life. Methods:Search parameters include vaping, electronic cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and oral health. Because this is a new area of study, the most current publications were used, ranging within the last eight years. Results:The literature indicates that vaping is associated with reduced proliferation of epithelial tissue, increased levels of microbes and inflammatory cytokines in the oral cavity, and overall damage to the oral epithelium. Research also shows that vaping puts the user at risk for caries, periodontitis, and even intraoral burns or fractured teeth if the e-cigarette explodes. Additionally, e-juices expose the user to a variety of carcinogens and promote the growth of opportunistic pathogens in the mouth. Overall, the literature was consistent in demonstrating that vaping compromises the oral tissues, exacerbates infection, and weakens host immunity. Conclusion:Vaping is a new trend that lacks substantial longitudinal research, but the data available demonstrates its pathogenic role in oral and systemic health. Electronic nicotine delivery system producers claim vaping can serve as a less dangerous alternative to smoking, but further research is warranted. Dental hygienists should be equipped with this knowledge so that they can provide this information to their patients and advocate for oral health.