US, Canadian Researchers Warn E-Cigarettes May Harm Gums

The Daily Mail reports scientists are warning that vaping can “trigger severe gum disease – and even increase the risk of mouth cancer.” Experts at the University of California Los Angeles say that e-cigarette toxins and nanoparticles can “kill the top layer of cells in the mouth and gums.” University of Rochester researcher Dr Irfan Rahman said, “When the vapours from an e-cigarette are burned, it causes cells to release inflammatory proteins. This aggravates stress within cells, resulting in damage that could lead to oral diseases.” Université Laval researchers say e-cigarettes can cause gum tissue to mutate.

Surgeon General Report: E-Cigarette Use Is A “Major Public Health Concern.”

The ADA News reports that the US Surgeon General said in areport released Dec. 7 that e-cigarette use among youth has been increasing in recent years at an “alarming rate,” and public health professionals, parents, and others must work together to address it. “All Americans need to know that e-cigarettes are dangerous to youth and young adults,” said US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in a news release about the report. “We need parents, teachers, health care providers and other influencers to help make it clear that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals and are not okay for kids to use.”

        The surgeon general’s office also in December launched a new, consumer friendly website, E-cigarettes. SurgeonGeneral.gov, aimed at educating parent and adult influencers of young people about e-cigarette use.

Study Suggests E-Cigarettes May Be Just As Damaging To Teeth And Gums

CBS News reported on its website in continuing coverage that “electronic cigarettes could be as harmful to gums and teeth as regular cigarettes are,” a new study published in Oncotarget suggests. “We showed that when the vapors from an e-cigarette are burned, it causes cells to release inflammatory proteins,” said study leader Irfan Rahman. These, in turn, “aggravate stress within cells, resulting in damage that could lead to various oral diseases.”