Vapers more likely to get gum disease, study shows

VAPERS are more likely to have gum disease and mouth infections, a new study has shown.

Scientists discovered that vaping changes the oral microbiome – the community of bacteria and microorganisms that live in the mouth – and promotes those that cause disease.

Researchers from New York University College of Dentistry studied mouth bacteria in 119 people who either smoked, vaped or did neither. Those who neither smoked nor vaped had the lowest risk, with 28.2 per cent suffering gum disease or infection, compared with 42.5 per cent of e-cigarette users and 72.5 per cent of tobacco smokers.

While it is known that cigarettes increase the risk of gum disease and infection, it was unknown whether e-cigarettes carried a similar risk.

Researchers say the study, published in the journal iscience, is the first to demonstrate that vaping changes the oral microbiome.

Xin Li, the senior author of the study and associate professor of basic science and craniofacial biology at NYU College of Dentistry, said: “Given the popularity of vaping, it is critical that we learn more about the effects of e-cigarette aerosols on the oral microbiome and host inflammatory responses in order to better understand the impact of vaping on human health.”

As well as gum disease, the bacteria found in the mouths of vapers were also linked to various health conditions including cavities, halitosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers.

Deepak Saxena, professor of basic science and craniofacial biology at the university, added: “Our study suggests that vaping electronic cigarettes causes shifts in the oral environment.”