E-cigarettes and oral health - What do dental professionals need to know?

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been exponentially increasing worldwide. These electronic vaping devices are widely available and are being marketed as a smoking cessation tool and a safer alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes. However, there is inadequate evidence to support these safety marketing claims. The oral cavity is the first encounter of the e-cigarettes smoke and aerosols, yet data regarding the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health are still limited and controversial. Dental professionals may have a major role in raising public awareness about the potential hazards of e-cigarettes on the oral mucosa, teeth, and their supporting structures. Moreover, dental records may serve as a leading repertoire for observations and followup data for future studies. The aim of this review is to provide dental professionals with an updated overview of the available data regarding the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health.