Effects of vaping and e-cigarettes on oral mineral metabolism in adolescents

Relevance. The use of vapes and electronic cigarettes is becoming increasingly widespread among children and adolescents in Russia. In the absence of strict governmental regulation regarding their sale, many parents mistakenly view electronic cigarettes as a safer alternative to conventional smoking. However, this perception is misleading, as the adverse effects of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are often comparable to, or even exceed, those associated with traditional tobacco use. Given the limited availability of comprehensive and reliable data, there remains a need for more thorough investigation into the impact of vaping and electronic cigarette use on the risk of developing oral diseases in adolescents.

Objective. To evaluate changes in clinical and laboratory parameters related to metabolic processes in the oral cavity of adolescents who use vapes and electronic cigarettes.

Materials and methods. A total of 315 seventeen-year-old school students from Omsk participated in a survey aimed at assessing the epidemiology of oral diseases. For clinical and laboratory analysis, 30 adolescents aged 17 with moderate caries activity were selected and divided into two equal groups of 15 participants. The comparison group included adolescents who did not use vapes or electronic cigarettes, while the main group consisted of users.

Results. The analysis of clinical parameters in both groups suggests that vaping may act as a trigger for poor oral hygiene, inflammation of the marginal periodontium, and an increase in both the intensity and prevalence of carious lesions. Statistically significant alterations in the mineral composition of mixed saliva were observed in the vaping group, including reductions in total calcium, total phosphate levels, and the solubility product.

Conclusion. Based on the data obtained, vaping—being a widespread phenomenon among adolescents—appears to exert a negative influence on the mineral composition of oral fluid. It may contribute to the development, aggravation, or unfavorable progression of oral diseases, either as a causative factor or as a condition that predisposes individuals to such outcomes.

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