Studies have shown that e-cigarettes may lead to an increase in gum disease. The results showed that users of these products had an oral microbiome (made up of the community of bacteria present in the mouth) that was less healthy than non-smokers, but probably healthier than traditional smokers.
The study, conducted by the New York University School of Dentistry, is the first large-scale study of its kind specifically looking at e-cigarettes. Previous studies have shown that traditional cigarettes contribute to the appearance of gingivitis, but little is known about electronics.
“To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of oral health and e-cigarette use. We are now beginning to understand how e-cigarettes and the chemicals they contain alter the oral microbiome and disrupt the bacterial balance, “said Deepak Saxena, who led the study.
During the study, 84 adults were divided into three groups: smokers, e-cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. Gingivitis is assessed by two dental visits six months apart, during which plaque samples are taken to analyze the bacteria present.
Typically, all participants had some kind of gum disease at the start of the study. After six months, many participants reported worsening disease, including many e-cigarette users. After that, the scientists analyzed the bacteria found in the plaque samples and determined that the oral microbiota of e-cigarette users was different from that of smokers and non-smokers.
“E-cigarettes appear to be driving unique bacterial patterns and affect the growth of certain bacteria in a similar way to smoking, but with their own characteristics and oral health risks,” said Fangxi Xu, co-author of the study.
E-cigarettes in particular have been linked to an increase in cytokine imbalances, which work by regulating the immune system. Tnf-α, a cytokine that causes inflammation, is significantly elevated in e-cigarette users.
The next step involves improving research in this area. “Unlike smoking, which has been extensively studied for decades, we know very little about the health consequences of e-cigarette use and are just beginning to understand how the unique microbiome promoted by e-cigarettes affects oral health and disease,” he concluded. Scott Thomas, research assistant.