ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE USE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENTAL CARIES

Abstract

This article aims investigate the relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and the development of carious lesions. Therefore, a literature review was carried out in the PUBMED and SCIELO databases using the following descriptors: “electronic cigarette”, “oral health” and “tooth decay” and from this, 159 articles were found. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, it was found that 16 articles concerned the cariogenic potential of electronic cigarettes, however only 8 were freely available and were selected to be presented and discussed. After a careful review of the literature, it was realized that the sugar that is part of the liquid that is vaporized in electronic cigarettes causes dysbiosis of the oral microbiota and demineralization of dental tissues. Therefore, within the limitations of this study, it was possible to observe that there is a relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and the development of carious lesions, however, as this is a literature review, it is suggested that studies with more robust evidence be performed.