Vaping And Gum Disease

Smoking E-cigarettes hasn’t been around for a long time. Because of this fact, there are not a wide variety of long-term studies to choose from for data on the subject. However, two professors of molecular pathobiology, from the NYU College of Dentistry have conducted a first-of-it’s-kind study. This study, by Xin Li and Deepak Saxena, is the first longitudinal study of e-cigarettes on the mouth microbiome. What they discovered over time is somewhat predictable, but good to know. Those who vaped had a less healthy mouth biome than non-smokers, but they were still healthier in that area than cigarette smokers.

Smoking has always been bad for oral health

Cigarettes and tobacco smoking have been around for hundreds of years globally. Tobacco smoking has been around even longer in some parts of the world. Tobacco has been around a long time. In many places in the world, it’s still commonly smoked by gigantic swathes of the population. Its numbers have decreased in the US in recent decades though. Because of time and widespread use, there are numerous studies on tobacco and oral health. Tooth loss, staining of the teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, and mouth cancers are all associated with smoking. In fact, again and again, studies have shown that smoking is terrible for your oral health. If this is making you worried about yourself – or a loved one – who smokes…it should. Know that stopping smoking can help stop, and even reverse a good deal of the damage done by tobacco.

However, because of vaping’s recent introduction (relatively speaking), there are few long-term studies that provide data on e-cigarette health effects. Fortunately, that is changing with time.

How the study was conducted

The researchers looked at adults from three separate groups: smokers, non-smokers, and e-cigarette users. The level of gum disease was examined every 6 months. The info was obtained through dental exams. Dentists removed plaque samples which could then be analyzed for bacterial composition.

All the participants of the study had gum disease to some level at the start. Worse among them were the cigarette smokers, followed by e-cigarette users. After the first six months, researchers found that some participants’ gum disease had worsened. In this group, were some e-cigarette users.

Researchers looked for gum recession

One of the most important factors in gum disease development is clinical attachment loss. This is the term used by researchers for receding gum lines. It is marked by the flesh and ligament of the gums separating from the tooth’s surface. It goes on to form pockets, which are prime locations for bacterial growth. Untreated, these pockets can breed copious bacteria and lead to worsening gum disease, and possibly eventual tooth loss.

What did the researchers find?

Researchers discovered that clinical attachment loss (gum recession) was worse in e-cigarette users than it was in cigarette smokers and non-smokers. But what was the cause for this? In general, cigarettes are much worse for one’s health than e-cigarettes. So why did vaping have a worse effect on gum recession?

E-cigarette users had different mouth bacteria than smokers and non-smokers

Bacteria shared by smokers and e-cigarette users:

• Selenomas. This is a mouth bacteria that frequently dominates diseased areas of subjects with aggressive periodontitis. Those who vape and those who smoke both had large amounts of selenomas.
• Leptotrichia. These bacteria, are also shared by smokers and vapers. They are a normal human biome bacteria. However, they are also found heavily in patients with oral lesions. There exact role in infection is unknown, but they have been suggested as emerging pathogens.
• Saccharibacteria. Associated with oral mucosal infectious diseases, these are prevalent in smokers and e-cigarette users.

Bacteria more abundant in e-cigarette users:

• Fusobacterium play a role in gingivitis, periodontitis, and tonsillitis. They also are a factor (albeit a rare one) in serious oral diseases. 
• Bacteroidales are an order of bacteria. Many are found naturally within the human biome. Especially in the gut. However, large concentrations in the mouth biome are often related to infection.

E-cigarettes altered the immune system response as well

The microbiome of e-cigarette also showed a lower level of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that regulate the immune system. Certain ones relate to an imbalance of oral bacteria and can worsen gum disease by increasing likelihood of infection and inflammation

A cytokine (TNFα) that causes inflammation was much higher among e-cigarette users. Another cytokine (IL-4), that was found in lower levels among vapers, is often found in lower levels among people with gum disease.

The conclusion

Researchers were able to conclude that individuals who vaped had altered immune reactions due to differing levels of cytokines. Additionally, vaping causes the creation of a special oral biome. This biome has the clinical markers of oral disease, such as the large presence of bacteria associated with infection.

What does this mean for you?

If you quit smoking cigarettes by starting vaping, then you are reaping the health rewards. It’s not time to throw away your vape pen quite yet. This study had a low number of individuals. More longitudinal studies are needed on vaping, and that will take time, as vaping a new habit.

If you are worried about your oral health, either from vaping or smoking, then you are at the right place. Josey Lane Dentistry has been faithfully serving the Carrollton Texas area for nearly two decades. Our specialties include restorative dentistry and oral surgery. However, we are more than happy to help with preventative dentistry and regular care. If you have a question about vaping/smoking and your health, or about oral health in general, don’t hesitate to get a hold of us. Keep your smile bright with Josey Lane!