More than 100 million adults and 15 million adolescents worldwide now use e-cigarettes, making vaping an increasingly important issue for oral health professionals and public health authorities alike. As these products become more widely used, researchers are uncovering evidence of their effects on the mouth, teeth and surrounding tissues, while many long-term consequences remain uncertain.

In the latest episode of the Dental Check-up Podcast, host Jan Powell speaks with Prof. Purnima Kumar, Professor of Dentistry and Chair of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Prof. Kumar recently collaborated with FDI on the review paper, To Vape or Not to Vape: Oral Health in the Age of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems, published in the International Dental Journal.

Listen to a captivating conversation on the impact of vaping on oral health and overall health

The conversation explores the latest research on vaping and oral health, including evidence linking e-cigarette use to dry mouth, increased risk of dental caries, changes in the oral microbiome, oral tissue inflammation and other adverse effects. Prof. Kumar also discusses how vaping may affect treatment outcomes and why understanding these emerging risks is important for both clinicians and patients.

The episode further examines the challenges facing researchers and regulators as evidence continues to evolve. While studies are increasingly identifying indicators of harm, important questions remain about the long-term impact of vaping on oral and general health.

Throughout the discussion, Prof. Kumar highlights the role of dentists and dental teams in supporting informed conversations with patients, identifying potential vaping-related oral health issues and providing guidance to those seeking to quit.

Listen to the episode to learn more about the latest evidence on vaping and oral health.