Vaping and Early Periodontal Damage in Teens: Associations with Community Periodontal Index Scores and Salivary Inflammatory Markers

Abstract

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has grown dramatically among adolescents, and there has been growing concern about the possible impact on oral and periodontal health. Although the perceived risks of vaping are less than conventional smoking, e-cigarette aerosols contain nicotine, aldehydes, and metal particulates which have the potential to change the oral microenvironment and inflammatory pathways. This study set out to find if e-cigarette use is associated with sub-clinical periodontal changes in high-school students by using Community Periodontal Index (CPI) scores and salivary inflammatory biomarkers as indicators of periodontal changes. A cross-sectional analytical design was used among adolescents aged 14-18 years old adapted into vapers and non-vapers. Clinical oral evaluations were performed by CPI, and the saliva samples were examined for interleukin (IL)-1v, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

 Preliminary findings from similar studies have shown higher CPI scores with significantly higher salivary cytokine concentrations in adolescent e-cigarette users than in their non vaping counterparts suggesting the development of early periodontal inflammation before overt clinical disease. These results emphasize vaping as a possible risk factor for early changes in the periodontal tissues of the adolescent and recommend early detection, public health education and preventive measures in school-based oral health programs.