Oral health risks in adults who use electronic nicotine delivery systems and oral nicotine pouches: a critical review of the literature and qualitative synthesis of the available evidence
2024

Oral Health Risks of E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches

Sample size: 52 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Scherer Gerhard, Pluym Nikola, Scherer Max

Primary Institution: ABF Analytisch-Biologisches Forschungslabor GmbH

Hypothesis

What are the oral health risks associated with the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and oral nicotine pouches compared to traditional tobacco products?

Conclusion

Using electronic cigarettes is linked to fewer oral health issues than smoking traditional cigarettes, but still results in poorer oral health compared to non-users.

Supporting Evidence

  • Electronic cigarettes are associated with fewer oral health issues compared to combustible cigarettes.
  • Users of e-cigarettes still experience more oral health problems than non-tobacco users.
  • Many studies included in the review had significant limitations regarding sample size and study design.

Takeaway

People who use e-cigarettes have fewer mouth problems than those who smoke regular cigarettes, but they still have more issues than people who don't use any tobacco at all.

Methodology

This review evaluated 52 studies comparing oral health effects in users of non-combustible tobacco products to those who smoke cigarettes and non-users.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from unassessed dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.

Limitations

Many studies had small sample sizes and relied on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily healthy adults aged 20-80, with a focus on young to middle-aged individuals.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI: -0.09–0.67

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12954-024-01147-y

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