The substances in e-cigarettes deposit on the teeth and increase the chances of new cavities, among other problems.
A study conducted at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, USA, has shown that e-cigarettes favor the onset of tooth decay and other dental problems. The research, published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, is the first to investigate this association.
I study
The research team analyzed data from more than 13,000 patients who received treatment at Tufts dental clinics between 2019 and 2022. Most of the volunteers said they didn’t use the pods. But among those who used the device, the scientists noticed a significant difference in levels of risk for oral disease.
The results showed that approximately 79% of patients who smoked e-cigarettes were classified as being at high risk of caries, compared with almost 60% of the control group, which consisted of those who did not smoke cigarettes in general.
The study found that one reason for this association is the sugar content and viscous consistency of the vapor produced by e-cigarettes. When smoke is inhaled through the mouth, some of its components stick to the teeth. Incidentally, the scientists observed that the aerosol produced by the device not only increases microbial growth in the oral cavity, but also facilitates the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacterium responsible for caries.
Harms caused by e-cigarettes
“Despite looking different and not having the same amount of chemicals as a conventional cigarette, vaping is also bad for your health. This is because e-cigarettes can lead to problems such as bad breath, gum recession, ‘darkening of the gums and teeth, bruxism, periodontal disease and cancer”, emphasizes the dentist of the Clínica Victor Bechara, Dr. Fabio Alencar.
He states that, if the individual does not stop using e-cigarettes, the most common treatment is to visit the dentist regularly every four months. According to the specialist, procedures must be performed to maintain the health of the bones of the mouth, gums and teeth. “Dental treatment allows you to restore the oral microbiome and more adequate masticatory function,” he says. He reinforces the importance of seeking specialized clinics and professionals.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
