Tufts University conducted a study that found that vaping could increase the risk of dental caries. The researchers explained that this happens when vaping liquid, which is sugary and sticky, gets stuck on the teeth causing damage. In addition, vaping liquid changes the microbial environment in the mouth, making it possible for bacteria that cause tooth decay to survive and proliferate. Vaping could also cause tooth decay in unusual areas, including the front teeth’s bottom edges.
The incidence of dental caries has risen
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2 million teenagers and 9.1 adults in the U.S. use tobacco-vaping products. As a result, the risk of tooth decay in the country has increased. The health regulator also reports that 7.6% of people between 11 and 18 vape in 2021.
While e-cigarettes have been credited with helping people reduce traditional smoking, more research has shown that vaping still carries health risks. For instance, studies have shown that vaping could cause lung disease
A study author and assistant comprehensive arts professor at Tufts University, Dr. Karina Irusa, states that other studies have linked vaping to damaging the tooth enamel and increased risk of gum disease. Although the dangers of e-cigarettes to oral health have been proven, there has been little emphasis on this by the medical community, including dentists.
How researchers conducted the study
The research team looked into 13,000 patient files for people who had received treatment at the Tufts Dental Clinic between 2019 and 2022. All the study participants were above 16. The team compared data between those who used vapes and those who didn’t. They found that although very few used e-cigarettes, about 79% of those who vaped had a risk of dental caries. This number was significant compared to the 60% among those who didn’t vape.
Due to these findings, the researchers advised those who used e-cigarettes to be more vigilant with dental care. This would include having checkups more than twice a year and using prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, among others.
Dr. Irusa plans to expand her study by evaluating how vaping changes the microbiome in the mouth. She states that although the investigation is inconclusive, it is important to raise awareness of the current data.
