Comparison Between the Conventional and Electronic Smoking Effects on Periodontal Health-A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Periodontology
• Tobacco Research

Background:

• Periodontal disease is a significant oral health concern.
• Conventional cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for periodontal disease.
• The impact of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use on periodontal health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the adverse effects of e-cigarettes versus conventional cigarette smoking on periodontal health.
• To evaluate differences in periodontal parameters between users of traditional and e-cigarettes.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving sixty participants, divided into two groups: 30 traditional cigarette smokers and 30 e-cigarette smokers.
• Data collection included socio-demographic information, smoking habits, and oral health status via a self-administered questionnaire.
• Clinical measurements comprised Gingival Index (GI), Russell's Periodontal Index, and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL).

Main Results:

• Traditional cigarette smokers exhibited higher mean GI (1.79), periodontal index (5.92), and CAL (3.44) compared to e-cigarette smokers.
• Questionnaire data indicated increased prevalence of bleeding gums, pus, tooth mobility requiring extraction, tooth discoloration, and tongue discoloration in traditional cigarette smokers.
• Specific adverse oral health indicators were significantly more prevalent in the conventional cigarette group.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette use is associated with adverse effects on periodontal tissues, though these effects appear less severe than those associated with conventional cigarette smoking.
• Both forms of smoking impact periodontal health, but traditional cigarettes pose a greater risk.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term periodontal consequences of e-cigarette use.