(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
VAPING and e-cigarettes may put the smoker at rish of gum disease.
Researchers at New York University’s (NYU) College of Dentistry say e-cigarettes and the chemicals they contain alters the composition of the oral environment known as the oral microbiome.
The oral microbiome of vapers has different patterns of bacteria in the mouth compared with those in cigarette smokers and non-smokers, the researchers have determined.
They came to this conclusion after analyzing the bacteria found in plaque samples.
‘’Vaping is associated with different levels of cytokines, which are linked to an imbalance in oral bacteria and can worsen gum disease by making people prone to inflammation and infection,’’ medscape.com reports.
It says ‘’smoking cigarettes is a known risk factor for developing gum disease, but the study shows that e-cigarettes — which vaporize nicotine and other chemicals — poses another risk to oral health.’’
Nearly half of America adults 30 years old and over are affected by gum disease.
In the Philippines, two in 10 or 20 percent of vapers or users of electronic cigarettes are teenagers.
The figures come from a survey conducted in 2018 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.
The numbers reflect a “worrisome” profile of vapers in the Philippines, warns Dr. Edgardo Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA).
“Vaping is now a pediatric problem,” says Dr. Rizalina Gonzalez of the Philippine Pediatric Society. She laments the claim of legislators that a “landmark bill” will discourage smoking when instead it allows vapes to be attractive and accessible for more younger Filipinos.
The Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation bill ratified by Congress and up for signing into law by the President removes the current two-flavor restriction for vaping products and lower the minimum age of those who can buy electronic cigarette vape products from 21 to 18 years old.
E-cigarettes can’t help smokers much when they want to quit, Dr. Dorotheo says.
SEATCA, which advocates against vaping, counters the claim of e-cigarette supporters that heated tobacco products or electronic nicotine delivery devices are “switching products” to help smokers quit the habit.
“They want people to switch and that is supposedly also the same as quitting smoking, which is not really true,” says Dr. Dorotheo. “The reality is that, there are many smokers who, when they try to quit smoking and use e-cigarettes, become dual users.”
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines dual use as when people try to cut back on smoking cigarettes or work toward quitting smoking completely by using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), smokeless tobacco, or other tobacco products in addition to regular cigarettes.
Vaping will never be an effective cessation strategy or even for “switching”, Dr. Dorotheo explains.
Seven former health secretaries, the Philippine Medical Association, and 50 other medical societies have called for the President to veto the vape bill.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
