Medical experts warn of e-cigarette risks to oral and lung health

Medical experts are warning that electronic cigarettes pose significant risks to both oral and respiratory health, challenging the perception that they are a harmless alternative to traditional smoking.

Prof. Dr. Burcu Karaduman, Head of Periodontology at Biruni University Dentistry Faculty, stated that the aerosols produced by electronic cigarettes contain chemicals, including nicotine, that can damage oral tissues. Research indicates that users may experience deepening periodontal pockets, loss of supporting tissue around teeth, and jawbone erosion. Additionally, use can lead to oral dryness, throat irritation, and an imbalance in oral flora, which may increase the risk of inflammation and plaque formation.

Thoracic surgeon Prof. Dr. Ahmet Demirkaya highlighted that e-cigarette aerosols are not merely water vapor but contain fine particles, heavy metals, and various chemical compounds. These substances can cause irritation, inflammation, and cellular damage in the respiratory tract. While the long-term link to lung cancer is still being studied due to the relatively recent nature of these products, laboratory studies suggest the vapor is associated with mechanisms that could lead to DNA damage and oxidative stress.