Abstract:

New types of cigarette products have gradually entered the public attention and become increasingly popular among teenagers. The new types of cigarette products usually refer to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heat-not-burn tobacco (HNB) . Because there are less harmful combustion products in the new types of cigarette products than the combusted cigarettes, the use of new types of cigarette products is often considered as a safer alternative to smoking, and even as one of the products to assist smokers to quit smoking. However, low toxicity does not mean non-toxic. The use of e-cigarettes may make people more prone to use cigarettes. Therefore, we reviewed the similarities and differences between e-cigarettes, HNB and combusted cigarettes, and clarified the relationship between new types of cigarette products and common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancers. Since the reports of heat-not-burn tobacco are limited, this review would focus mainly on e-cigarettes. In terms of dental caries, e-cigarette users were more likely to have untreated dental caries than non-smokers, but e-cigarette smokers were less likely to have caries than combusted cigarette smokers. In terms of periodontal diseases, both e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco can cause changes in periodontal flora, trigger an inflammatory response in gingival epithelial cells, and aggravate the inflammation of periodontal tissue. In terms of oral cancers, in vitro experiments have shown that e-cigarettes have a certain promoting effect on oral cancer. E-cigarettes can cause dry mouth to a certain extent, but their effects are less than those of combusted cigarettes. Upon usage, e-cigarettes can also cause dental trauma and maxillofacial injuries to smokers due to e-cigarettes explosions. In summary, new types of cigarette products can promote oral diseases, although their effects are less than those of combusted cigarettes. However, due to the short history of e-cigarettes, there is still a lack of long-term prospective and large-scale case-control study. Longer-term research is needed to fully understand the impact of new types of cigarette products on oral health.

Key words: Electronic cigarettes, Heat-not-burn tobacco, Dental caries, Periodontal diseases, Oral cancer