Trying to clear the air: e-cigarette use and periodontal disease

Introduction With record rates of e-cigarette use in the United Kingdom, it is becoming more important that dental professionals understand the consequences of e-cigarette use on oral health.Methods This narrative review considers the current bank of literature regarding e-cigarette use and periodontal health and disease.Results Some studies have found that e-cigarette users had worsened periodontal health and poorer response to periodontal treatment compared to non-smokers. However, there is mixed evidence on this topic and the current evidence base remains limited, with few high-quality studies available. Similarly, although current research suggests that e-cigarette use is safer for the periodontium than conventional smoking, further long-term, large-cohort studies will be required to improve the evidence base.Conclusion In the meantime, the guidance from the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry is to ensure patients understand the lack of information and research available. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence support this and note that there may be a place for e-cigarettes as an aid to quitting smoking, supporting patients to become tobacco-free. It would, however, be sensible for dental practitioners to discourage negative health habits, including e-cigarette use, unless to replace a potentially more dangerous habit, such as conventional smoking.