Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels

The nicotine in e-cigarette liquid can negatively impact periodontal tissues by altering the salivary pH and elevating cotinine levels. Thus, the study aimed to determine the periodontal parameters, salivary pH, and cotinine levels among cigarette, e-cigarette, and never-smokers.

A total of 144 participants were recruited (48 cigarette smokers, 48 e-cigarette smokers, and 48 never-smokers). Clinical periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded, excluding third molars. The level of unstimulated whole salivary pH was measured using a portable pH meter and the levels of salivary cotinine were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Data were analysed statistically using analysis of variance. Mean scores of PPD, percentage of pocket depth ≥ 4 mm, and CAL (p < 0.05) were significantly higher among cigarette smokers than those in e-cigarette and never-smokers, while GI (p < 0.05) were significantly higher among e-cigarette smokers. The unstimulated salivary pH was more acidic among cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) and e-cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) than in never-smokers. The cotinine levels were higher among cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) and e-cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) than in never-smokers.

Clinical periodontal parameters were poorer in cigarette smokers than in e-cigarette smokers and never-smokers. Meanwhile, cigarette and e-cigarette smokers have more acidic salivary pH and higher cotinine levels than in never-smokers.