Vapeboss - A study titled "Gingival Response in Vapers with Experimentally Induced Gingivitis (Experimental Gingivitis)" conducted by academics from the Faculty of Dentistry, Padjajaran University (FKG UNPAD) Amaliya, Agus Susanto, and Jimmy Gunawan, proved that alternative tobacco products such as vapes or e-cigarettes show normal gingival defense function against dental plaque bacteria compared to smokers who have not switched.

"The results of this study prove that vapers who have switched from smoking show an improvement in gingival quality, as evidenced by a gingival defense function similar to that experienced by non-smokers. This means that (after switching) their gingival defense condition returns to normal," said Amaliya.

Amaliya explained that the study involved 15 respondents aged 18-55 years, divided into three groups with an uneven gender distribution.

The first group consisted of smokers with a minimum smoking history of one year. The second group consisted of smokers who switched to vaping with a minimum vaping period of one year. The last group consisted of non-smokers or non-tobacco product users, who served as the reference for the study results.

Amaliya stated that gingival inflammation is a defense mechanism in response to bacterial plaque adhering to the tooth surface. Based on the results of this preliminary study, it showed that the gingival defense of vapers closely resembled the gingival condition of non-smokers.

Furthermore, nicotine was not proven to be the main cause of vasoconstriction in the gums. Amaliya said that nicotine, which has long been considered a cause of impaired gingival defense, actually showed in this study that nicotine-containing liquid did not exhibit impaired gingival defense.

"This means there are other ingredients in cigarettes, besides nicotine, that cause the inflammation not to be visible. So, further research is needed," explained Amaliya.

With this finding, Amaliya hopes that more comprehensive scientific research on the risk profile of vapes and other alternative tobacco products will be conducted domestically.

"Indeed, research on alternative tobacco products in Indonesia is still very limited. I hope the government or authorized institutions will support further research and studies of these alternative tobacco products to clarify their risk profile and impact of use," she said.

The results of these studies can then be used as accurate sources of information, considering that there is still a lot of misinformation and misconceptions about alternative tobacco products circulating among the public.

According to Amaliya, academics and researchers have an important role in disseminating research-based information to the public.

"Dissemination and socialization of study results can be done massively through accredited journals, social media, and opinion articles," she concluded.

Source: Tribunnews