Tariq Drabu is a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon who was born and educated in Manchester in the United Kingdom. He is also one of the youngest dentists to ever graduate in the UK before working in some of the busiest dental hospitals in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Today he is the owner of the successful Langley Dental Practice and is also the Clinical Lead Dentist for the Oral Surgery Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services at NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale. Tariq Drabu was speaking about an article published on 17 February 2017 on a top dental website.
Tariq Drabu said “A study, which was conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Centre, is one of the first scientific studies to address electronic cigarettes and the effect they have on oral health at both a molecular and cellular level. Up to now electronic cigarettes have been seen as a healthier alternative to the traditional cigarette, while they contain nicotine, they do not contain the chemicals found in harmful tobacco. What patients don't realise is that they are still very dangerous to their oral health in the long run.”
Tariq Drabu in Manchester went on to say “The study was published in Cotangent where the team exposed a 3D human non-smoker gum tissue to the vapours of an electronic cigarette with very interesting results. It was found that the vapour released inflammatory properties which is harmful to both the teeth and gums.”
Tariq Drabu closed in saying “The flavouring chemicals were also identified as a concern to the study as they damage the cells. Remember the electronic cigarette liquid does contain nicotine which contributes to gum disease. Further studies will be needed to identify the long term effects and to really understand he health effects of these devices on oral health. Already looking at them, increasing inflammatory within the mouth can cause long term problems. Gum disease is common in the United Kingdom with most adults experiencing gingivitis at least once in their lives. It's periodontal disease that is the real concern, which if ignored could result in tooth loss, not to mention how this gum disease can have a negative impact on overall health.”