Comparison of Periodontal Parameters and Self‐Perceived Oral Symptoms Among Cigarette Smokers, Individuals Vaping Electronic Cigarettes, and Never‐Smokers

Introduction:
This text presents a study comparing periodontal parameters and self-perceived oral symptoms among cigarette smokers, individuals exclusively vaping electronic cigarettes, and never-smokers. The study aims to assess the impact of these habits on periodontal health.

Key Points:

* The study included 94 male participants divided into three groups: cigarette smokers (CSs), electronic cigarette users (ECs), and never-smokers (NSs).
* Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) ≥ 4mm, clinical attachment loss (AL), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were measured.
* PI and PD ≥ 4mm were significantly higher in CSs and ECs than in NSs.
* BOP was significantly higher in NSs than in CSs and ECs.
* There was no significant difference in the number of missing teeth, clinical AL, and MBL among all groups.
* Gingival pain was more often reported by CSs than by ECs and NSs.
* The study suggests that periodontal inflammation and self-perceived oral symptoms are poorer among CSs than among ECs and NSs.

Main Message:
The study highlights the negative impact of cigarette smoking on periodontal health, with ECs showing similar periodontal parameters to NSs. However, further research is needed to establish the long-term effects of EC use on oral health. It is crucial to educate the public about the detrimental effects of habitual tobacco use, including periodontal status, and encourage community health awareness programs to promote overall health.

Javed, Fawad, Tariq Abduljabbar, Fahim Vohra, Hans Malmstrom, Irfan Rahman, and Georgios E. Romanos. “Comparison of Periodontal Parameters and Self‐Perceived Oral Symptoms Among Cigarette Smokers, Individuals Vaping Electronic Cigarettes, and Never‐Smokers.” Journal of Periodontology 88, no. 10 (October 2017): 1059–65. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2017.170197.