Objectives: In comparison to conventional combustible cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including both e-cigarettes (ECs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) significantly reduce exposure to toxic chemical emissions. However, their impact on dental plaque remains unclear. This study measures dental plaque in ENDS (ECs and HTPs) users using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology, comparing them with current, former, and never smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared dental plaque measurements using QLF technology (Q-ray cam (TM) TM Pro) among current smokers (>= 10 cigarettes/day), former smokers (quit >= 6 months), never smokers, and exclusive ENDS users (quit >= 6 months). Dental plaque measurements were expressed as Delta R30 (total area of mature dental plaque) and Delta R120 (greater plaque thickness/maturation-calculus). The Simple Oral Hygiene (SOH) score was calculated by the QLF proprietary software. Statistical analyses including ANCOVA was performed by R version (4.2.3) with p < 0.05. Results: A total 30 smokers, 24 former smokers, 29 never smokers, and 53 ENDS users were included. Current smokers had significantly higher Delta R30 and Delta R120 values compared to other groups (p p < 0.001). ENDS users showed plaque levels similar to never and former smokers (p p > 0.05) but significantly lower than current smokers (p p < 0.01). Although ENDS users showed a lower SOH score than smokers, this difference was not statistically significant. Daily toothbrushing and mouthwash usage were significant covariates. Conclusion: ENDS users exhibited reduced accumulation of dental plaque and calculus compared with current smokers. Clinical significance: Exclusive ENDS use could less impact dental plaque accumulation compared to cigarette smoking. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and fully understand ENDS impact on dental plaque formation.

Dental plaque quantitation by light induced fluorescence technology in exclusive Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) users

La Rosa, Giusy Rita Maria
;
Emma, Rosalia;Pedullà, Eugenio;Polosa, Riccardo
2024-01-01

Abstract

Objectives: In comparison to conventional combustible cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including both e-cigarettes (ECs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) significantly reduce exposure to toxic chemical emissions. However, their impact on dental plaque remains unclear. This study measures dental plaque in ENDS (ECs and HTPs) users using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology, comparing them with current, former, and never smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared dental plaque measurements using QLF technology (Q-ray cam (TM) TM Pro) among current smokers (>= 10 cigarettes/day), former smokers (quit >= 6 months), never smokers, and exclusive ENDS users (quit >= 6 months). Dental plaque measurements were expressed as Delta R30 (total area of mature dental plaque) and Delta R120 (greater plaque thickness/maturation-calculus). The Simple Oral Hygiene (SOH) score was calculated by the QLF proprietary software. Statistical analyses including ANCOVA was performed by R version (4.2.3) with p < 0.05. Results: A total 30 smokers, 24 former smokers, 29 never smokers, and 53 ENDS users were included. Current smokers had significantly higher Delta R30 and Delta R120 values compared to other groups (p p < 0.001). ENDS users showed plaque levels similar to never and former smokers (p p > 0.05) but significantly lower than current smokers (p p < 0.01). Although ENDS users showed a lower SOH score than smokers, this difference was not statistically significant. Daily toothbrushing and mouthwash usage were significant covariates. Conclusion: ENDS users exhibited reduced accumulation of dental plaque and calculus compared with current smokers. Clinical significance: Exclusive ENDS use could less impact dental plaque accumulation compared to cigarette smoking. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and fully understand ENDS impact on dental plaque formation.
2024
Dental plaque
E-cigarettes
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Heated tobacco products
Quantitative light-induced fluorescence
Smoking
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/640584
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