ORAL ALTERATIONS RELATED TO ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE USE

Abstract

This article aimed to evaluate oral changes associated with the use of electronic cigarettes, identifying their effects on periodontal tissues, the oral mucosa, saliva, and the oral microbiota. This study is a narrative literature review conducted using the PubMed database. The descriptors “Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems,” “e-cigarette,” “vaping,” and “oral health” were combined using the Boolean operators AND and OR. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, written in English, available as free full-text articles, and related to the topic were included. After applying the eligibility criteria, 31 articles were identified, of which 11 were selected for full-text review. The studies identified an association between electronic cigarette use and biofilm accumulation, oral microbiota dysbiosis, gingival inflammation, periodontal changes, and an increased risk of dental caries. Xerostomia, changes in the oral mucosa and tongue, nicotine stomatitis, taste alterations, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage were also reported. In addition, traumatic injuries resulting from device explosions were described. It is concluded that these products are associated with oral changes, although the available evidence has methodological limitations. Therefore, longitudinal studies, dental follow-up, and preventive measures are needed to clarify the long-term effects and promote oral health.