Influence of Electronic Cigarettes on Selected Physicochemical Properties of Saliva.

Dominika Cichońska,Aida Kusiak,Barbara Kochańska,Jolanta Ochocińska,Dariusz Świetlik

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063314

Abstract

(1) Background: Electronic cigarettes are gaining more popularity not only among cigarettes smokers. Firstly, e-cigarettes were perceived as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, however, nowadays, they are arousing more controversy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of e-cigarette usage on selected physicochemical properties of saliva. (2) Methods: The study population included 128 patients: 40 patients using e-cigarettes, 39 patients smoking traditional cigarettes, and 49 non-smoking patients (non-smokers). Laboratory tests involved verification of saliva values of pH and concentration of total protein, calcium, and phosphates. (3) Results: Among e-cigarette users, the value of pH was lower and the concentration of total protein, calcium, and phosphates was higher than in the group of non-smokers. Statistically significant differences were observed in relation to calcium. Among traditional cigarette smokers, the value of pH was lower, concentrations of total protein and phosphates were higher than in the group of non-smokers. Statistically significant differences were observed in relation to total protein. (4) Conclusions: Saliva of e-cigarette users presents changes in physicochemical composition in comparison to traditional cigarette smokers and non-smokers, however, statistically significant differences were observed only in calcium concentration. Further longitudinal studies on a larger study group should be conducted to assess the effect of observed changes in oral health.

Highlights

The usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is still a new phenomenon that is constantly increasing around the world
E-cigarette usage is observed among young adults and adolescents who have never smoked traditional cigarettes before [2–4]
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of e-cigarette usage on selected physicochemical properties of saliva

Summary

Introduction

The usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is still a new phenomenon that is constantly increasing around the world. Due to the wide variety of tastes, the possibility to choose and regulate the nicotine content and wide availability, they are encouraging to users, regardless of their age and social origin [1–4]. E-cigarette usage is observed among young adults and adolescents who have never smoked traditional cigarettes before [2–4]. E-cigarette is an electronic device providing users with an experience similar to smoking traditional cigarettes that consists of a battery, a vaporization chamber, and a solvent mixture cartridge [5]. Two types of e-cigarettes are available to users: Open-system and closed-system. Open-system e-cigarettes can be refilled with e-liquids available in a considerable variety of flavors and nicotine concentrations. They are usually larger in size than traditional cigarettes and must

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