Lesions in the oral mucosa and/or alterations in the non-pathological conditions of the oral cavity in patients who smoke electronic cigarettes (Vape)

Background: Electronic cigarettes are associated with smoking cessation, these are currently more preferred and are being studied for their possible effects on the oral cavity and other systems of the human body. Objetive: The aims of this study is to analyze lesions in the oral mucosa and/or alterations in the non-pathological conditions of the oral cavity in patients who smoke electronic cigarettes (Vape). Methodology: In this analytical observational study, 70 participants were evaluated at the Dr. René Puig Benz clinic, Dominican Republic. These were divided into two groups: cigarette smokers electronic and non-smokers, to later be compared. A personal data questionnaire was applied, an extra and intraoral clinical examination was carried out, and smokers were inquired about the consumption of electronic cigarettes and nicotine dependence was measured through the Fagerström test, the data were analyzed with the package statistical SPSS, version 23. Results: The age range of those evaluated was between 18 and 38 years. In the group male smoker showed 77% and a statistically significant difference between sex and type of lesion in the oral mucosa (p=0.035), where melanosis prevailed and frictional hyperkeratosis. An association was found between nicotine concentration exposure and oral mucosal lesions (p=0.017). Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found according to the type of injury and non-pathological conditions in relation to the groups, nor to dependence. It is necessary to carry out longitudinal studies to follow up the relationship of exposure and effects of the use of these devices in the oral cavity. Interested conflict: not declared.