The impact of vaping behavior on functional changes within the subgingival microbiome
Abstract
The use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), or vaping devices, has raised concerns about their potential impact on oral health, particularly periodontal disease. While traditional smoking is a well-established risk factor for periodontal disease, the biological and microbial effects of ENDS use are less well understood. Our study examined how vaping and vaping behaviors influence the subgingival plaque microbiome and the associated metabolic pathways that may contribute to oral disease. We enrolled 70 healthy adults aged 18-35, including 48 regular ENDS users and 22 non-vaping controls. ENDS users were categorized by puffing behavior into low, medium, and high flow groups using a validated topography device. All participants underwent periodontal screening and provided saliva and subgingival plaque samples. To evaluate exposure profiles, ENDS users also submitted their personal devices for emissions testing, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared to non-vapers, ENDS users demonstrated distinct shifts in their oral microbiome, with reductions in beneficial taxa and increased bacteria associated with inflammation and periodontal disease. These changes were more pronounced in high-puff volume users, who also exhibited lower microbial diversity. Functional profiling revealed vaping-associated enrichment of pathways related to lipid metabolism,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 70 participants or records.
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