E-Cigarettes: The Smoking Alternative?

We all know that tobacco does immense damage to our mouths. Regardless of how it’s consumed, whether it’s smoked or chewed, it has dangerous repercussions to our oral health. The damage can cause yellow teeth, periodontal disease, and even oral cancer.  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,) more than 30,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. While 50% of patients survive, approximately 8,000 die from the disease each year. Furthermore, a 2008 study from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that smokeless tobacco users have an 80% chance of developing oral cancer  – this illustrates the point above; tobacco causes damage to the human mouth and can have an effect on our lives.
Recently, E-Cigarettes (Electronic Cigarettes) have been getting a lot of attention.  But what exactly is init? Firstly, E-Cigarettes are not filled with tobacco. Instead it’s filled with liquid drops available in a variety of  flavors and vapors. While there’s no current research on how these vapors affect the mouth, the list of ingredients are sufficient enough to make you ask: is this REALLY a healthier alternative?

Research studies must be done to see how safe E-Cigarettes are for our oral health and there seems to be no regulatory authority overseeing the E-Cigarette market.  If you have any questions about the possible dangers of E-Cigarettes, you should contact your doctor or dentist.