Summary
Introduction:
This text is a study on the effects of tobacco products, specifically cigarettes and e-cigarettes, on the oral health of adolescents using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. The study investigates the associations between self-reported use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes on the oral health status of a representative sample of US adolescents.
Key Points:
* The study found that current use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is associated with poor oral health outcomes among adolescents.
* The study also found that dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes is associated with increased prevalence odds of self-reported past-year diagnosis with dental problems.
* The study used data from the PATH study, which is a national longitudinal cohort study of US adults and youth, aimed at elucidating tobacco use and its health effects.
* Participants were asked if they have ever tried cigarette smoking or e-cigarette use, as well as past 30-day use of tobacco products.
* A composite variable indicating dual use of cigarette and e-cigarette was created separately for past 30-day users and ever users.
* Covariates included adolescent age, sex, diabetes, race, ethnicity, and parental educational level.
* The study used survey-adjusted logistic regression to estimate prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs, adjusting for the covariates.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering the oral health effects of tobacco products, specifically cigarettes and e-cigarettes, among adolescents. The findings suggest that dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes is associated with poor oral health outcomes among adolescents. Therefore, public health and oral health practitioners should take this into account when intervening during developmental periods where adolescents may have access to tobacco products in the home and in social settings.
Citation
Akinkugbe, A.A. “Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Adolescents’ Oral Health: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.” JDR Clinical & Translational Research 4, no. 3 (July 2019): 276–83. https://doi.org/10.1177/2380084418806870.
