Effects of vaping on the tactile sensitivity of the oral mucosa

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of vaping, which directly impacts the oral mucosa, highlights the importance of evaluating its effect on tactile sensitivity in electronic cigarette users. AIM: To clarify the characteristics of tactile sensitivity of the oral mucosa in electronic cigarette users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 80 participants (mean age 23.5±0.2 years), divided into two groups: the observation group (40 regular electronic cigarette users) and the comparison group (40 never-smokers). Each participant underwent an objective dental examination and an assessment of tactile discrimination sensitivity at four alveolar zone points (upper and lower jaws, left and right) using Weber’s compass. Statistical analysis included the calculation of mean values, standard errors, and significance testing using Student’s t-test. RESULTS: Physical oral examination revealed that the prevalence of gingivitis among electronic cigarette users was six times higher, whereas dental calculus was 7.5 times more frequently relative to the comparison group. The DMF index was 57.1% higher in the vaping group, whereas the Green–Vermillion hygiene index was 109.1% higher. Assessment of tactile discrimination sensitivity revealed that its threshold was significantly higher in electronic cigarette users than in non-smokers. On the upper jaw, sensitivity thresholds in vapers were 1.5 times higher (left: 7.71±0.30 mm, right: 7.63±0.27 mm) compared to non-smokers (left: 5.15±0.06 mm, right: 5.10±0.08 mm). On the lower jaw, the difference was even more pronounced: 2.3 times higher on the left side (13.33±0.49 mm in vapers and 5.69±0.05 mm in non-smokers) and 2.5 times higher on the right side (12.85±0.55 mm in vapers and 5.18±0.05 mm in non-smokers). CONCLUSION: The use of electronic cigarettes is accompanied by a significant deterioration in the hygienic condition of the oral mucosa and a reduction in its tactile sensitivity, which may lead to the latent progression of inflammatory and degenerative processes in the oral and dentoalveolar system.