The Effect of Smoking and Vaping on Oral Health a Meta-Analysis

Objective: This meta-analysis investigates the effects of smoking and vaping on oral health, focusing on periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, and other oral conditions. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact these habits have on oral health outcomes. Methods: We systematically reviewed studies published up to 2025 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies that assessed smoking and vaping’s effects on oral health. A random-effects model was employed to analyze pooled odds ratios for each outcome. Results: Our analysis included 42 studies, with a total of 45,000 participants. Smoking was strongly associated with periodontal disease (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5), tooth loss (OR = 3.0), and oral cancer (OR = 3.8). Vaping showed a moderate, though significant, association with periodontal disease (OR = 1.7) and gum recession (OR = 1.5), with evidence still emerging on its long-term effects. Conclusion: Smoking remains a major risk factor for oral health, with vaping posing emerging risks. Further studies are necessary to understand the full implications of vaping on oral health, especially over the long term.