P-58 Oral health effect indicators among exclusive electronic nicotine delivery systems users
Author(s):
R Polosa1
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess both dental
plaque and dental color parameters in electronic nicotine
delivery systems (ENDS) users compared with current,
former, and never smokers.
Methods: Participants were classified into five groups: current smokers, former smokers, never smokers, exclusive ENDS users (former smokers for at least 6 months) using either e-cigarettes (ECs) or heated tobacco products (HTPs). Dental plaque was quantified using QLF technology, expressed as deltaR30 (mature plaque area), deltaR120 (thicker/more mature deposits). Tooth color was assessed through digital spectrophotometry, with outcomes including CIELAB coordinates, Whiteness Index for Dentistry (WID), and deltaE* perceptibility thresholds. ANCOVA models adjusted for oral hygiene habits with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 136 participants were included for the plaque analysis. Current smokers demonstrated signifcantly higher deltaR30 and deltaR120 values than all other groups (p0.05) and markedly lower than current smokers (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Across both plaque and color assessments, exclusive ENDS users consistently showed oral health profiles comparable to former and never smokers and substantially better than current smokers. Despite these cross-sectional findings having to be interpreted with caution, they suggest that switching from cigarettes to tar-free ENDS may be associated with reduced dental plaque accumulation and less tooth discoloration.