Research progress in the effects of e-cigarette on oral health

CHEN Shu-ze; ZHAO Lei

doi:10.19538/j.kq.2025.03.013

Abstract：Electronic cigarettes(e-cigarettes)are inhalation devices that generate aerosols through electrically heated va-porization of liquid tobacco.Marketed as reduced-risk alternatives to conventional tobacco products,these devices have gained increasing popularity among smokers due to their non-combustion vaporization mechanism and customizable nico-tine concentration design,becoming the alternatives to conventional cigarettes.However,e-cigarettes can generate vari-ous carcinogens such as formaldehyde,acetaldehyde and acrolein,which have detrimental effects on systemic health.The oral cavity is particularly vulnerable to the adverse impact of e-cigarettes due to direct contact.Researches have demon-strated that e-cigarettes can detrimentally impact periodontal health,promote the occurrence and progression of peri-odontitis,and exert an adverse influence on periodontal treatment.Additionally,they can stimulate the release of inflam-matory cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid surrounding dental implants,thereby intensifying inflammation.Further-more,e-cigarettes possess cytotoxic and genotoxic properties that inflict notable damage upon oral mucosal cells.To a certain extent,they are capable of inducing changes in color and property of dental tissues.The pathogenic mechanisms of e-cigarettes may involve oral microbiota dysbiosis,formation of a pro-inflammatory microenvironment and activation of DNA damage pathways,among others.This article will review research progress in the effect of e-cigarette on oral health and the potential pathogenic mechanisms,aiming to enhance the understanding about e-cigarettes and take its harm into consideration in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases in the future.