Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Dentistry, Professor Dr. Raghad Abdul-Razzaq Mohammed
The College of Dentistry at the University of Baghdad, through its Rehabilitation, Employment, and Follow-up Unit, organized a workshop entitled “The Effects of E-Cigarettes on Tooth Decay.” The workshop was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Ghada Ibrahim Taha and attended by a number of students from the college.
The workshop aimed to inform students about the dangers of e-cigarette smoking in general, and its direct impact on oral health in particular, given the serious diseases caused by e-cigarettes, which may be more harmful than traditional cigarettes. It also aimed to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of this modern phenomenon and the necessity of avoiding it.
The workshop covered several topics, most notably:
1. The components of e-cigarettes.
2. The dangers of e-cigarettes to human health.
3. The dangers of e-cigarettes to oral health. 4. The Impact of E-Cigarettes on Tooth Decay
The workshop explained that e-cigarettes are a relatively new phenomenon that has recently spread among young people. Their popularity stems from a common misconception—not scientifically proven—that they help treat and quit smoking addiction. This belief is false, given the harmful effects of these cigarettes on general health and dental health.
The workshop also indicated that e-cigarettes affect the oral microbiome. Disrupting its balance leads to an increase in bacteria that cause tooth decay, making them a direct factor in the deterioration of oral health.
The workshop recommended:
• The necessity of conducting ongoing educational programs to raise community awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes to oral and general health.
• Emphasizing the fallacy of believing that they are a safe alternative or a therapeutic method for quitting traditional smoking.
