a pilot investigation into the influence of electronic cigarettes on oral bacteria.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study investigating the influence of electronic cigarettes on oral bacteria. The study aims to observe any changes in oral bacteria among electronic cigarette users compared to non-smokers and people smoking traditional cigarettes. The study includes 125 volunteers, divided into three groups: electronic cigarette users, traditional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. The study collected swabs from the oral cavity and examined the samples in the laboratory.

Key Points:

* The study found that electronic cigarette users had a higher incidence of microorganisms other than commensal flora colonizing the oral cavity compared to traditional cigarette smokers (15.7% vs. 6.4%; p < 0.05).
* The study also found that electronic cigarette users had a higher percentage of isolation of Gram-negative rods compared to traditional cigarette smokers (10.9% vs. 2.1%; p < 0.05).
* The frequency of co-isolation of other microorganisms simultaneously with commensal oral flora was more common in electronic cigarette users than traditional cigarette smokers (40% vs. 14%; p < 0.05).
* Electronic cigarette users occurred to have commensal bacteria reduced (60%) only in comparison to traditional cigarette smokers (86%) (p < 0.05).
* The colonization of the oral cavity with one microorganism occurred in all subjects in all three groups.
* Colonization with two or three microorganisms of this place, in addition to normal flora, was extremely rare in electronic cigarette users and non-smokers.
* In a group of traditional cigarette smokers there were no colonization with two or more microbial strains.

Main Message:
The study found that electronic cigarette users had a higher incidence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in their oral cavity compared to traditional cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The study suggests that the use of electronic cigarettes can cause changes in the oral cavity environment to the disadvantage of commensal flora, which can affect the course of some pathological processes in the oral cavity. however, further research is required to fully understand the impact of electronic cigarettes on oral bacteria. The study highlights the need for caution when using electronic cigarettes and the potential risks associated with their use.

Cichońska D, Kusiak a, Piechowicz L, Świetlik D. a pilot investigation into the influence of electronic cigarettes on oral bacteria. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. 2021;38(6):1092-1098. doi:10.5114/ada.2020.100335