Experts refute claims of e-cigarettes causing dental damage

Feb.17.2023
Experts refute claims of e-cigarettes causing dental damage
Experts refute claims e-cigarettes harm teeth, citing inaccuracies and praising UK’s positive stance on vaping.

Two food science scholars from Cardiff Metropolitan University's School of Sport and Health Sciences have recently made claims that electronic cigarettes can lead to tooth damage. In response, four experts in the field - Dr. Richard Holliday, Professor Helen McNeill, Anthony Wake and Zehra Sayed - published a letter in the British Dental Journal at Newcastle University, explaining the inaccuracies of these claims.


The truth about electronic cigarettes has been revealed by four experts from the Dental Sciences School of Newcastle University, which is good news for everyone. Nancy Lucas, Executive Coordinator of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), made this statement at a recent press conference.


Four experts have written that they are "disappointed by several basic errors and misrepresentations" and have corrected five major errors in the potential harm of e-cigarettes. Lucas added that given the UK's positive attitude towards e-cigarettes, such inaccurate statements are surprising.


The UK has taken a relatively progressive and risk-balanced approach towards electronic cigarettes, with the country's public health sector firmly believing that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking. While it may be surprising that these two food science lecturers were able to express their views, luckily, they have since been proven inaccurate, according to Lucas.


Four experts have explained that the two authors used a World Health Organization poster and incorrectly claimed that nicotine can cause a "high risk of oral and systemic health complications." They added that in fact, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been safely used in the form of patches and gum for 30 years.


Electronic cigarettes can be part of a smoking cessation package.


Furthermore, they added that "it is recommended that dental professionals in the UK refer to carefully considered public health guidelines, which suggest that for the best chance of quitting smoking, both support and medication therapy should be utilized, with e-cigarettes being part of this approach.


CAPHRA emphasized that Dr. Richard Holliday, a specialist in restorative dentistry and periodontics, wrote an article in The Times stating that "smokers considering switching to e-cigarettes should remember that this is a good choice for their overall bodily and oral health".


The biggest mistake made by food science lecturers is the same mistake many people make - promoting the World Health Organization's anti-e-cigarette stance as an official public health stance. It's worth noting that all UK public institutions, including the National Health Service, ignore the WHO's advice. They support e-cigarettes because they know e-cigarettes neither erode teeth nor cause gum disease.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
The European Commission has opened an online call for evidence on revising EU tobacco products and advertising rules, marking a new phase in the TPD/TAD review. Policy options may cover novel products, flavours, packaging, digital marketing and advertising. A 2Firsts review of 855 early submissions shows rapid engagement and recurring debate over differentiated regulation, harm reduction, youth protection, illicit trade and economic impact.
Special Report
May.21
Nevada Considers Nearly Doubling Tobacco Taxes, With $65 Million in New Revenue Expected From Expanded Nicotine Levies
Nevada Considers Nearly Doubling Tobacco Taxes, With $65 Million in New Revenue Expected From Expanded Nicotine Levies
Health groups in Nevada are urging lawmakers to nearly double the state cigarette tax and extend similar tax changes to other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Jul.17
UK Parliament Briefing Puts Vape Hardware Design and Materials in Regulatory Focus
UK Parliament Briefing Puts Vape Hardware Design and Materials in Regulatory Focus
The UK Parliament’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) has published a scientific briefing reviewing current evidence on the health effects of vape device components, including heating elements, power settings, metals, plastics, batteries and e-liquid ingredients, signalling growing regulatory attention to device design and whole-product systems beyond e-liquids, flavours and packaging.
Special Report
Jun.29
Vapesourcing Lists RELX Creator Pro 15K as “Coming Soon,” Shows U.S. Warehouse Shipping Options
Vapesourcing Lists RELX Creator Pro 15K as “Coming Soon,” Shows U.S. Warehouse Shipping Options
2Firsts found that U.S.-facing and cross-border vape retailer Vapesourcing has created a product page for the “RELX Creator Pro 15K Disposable Vape Kit 3%,” marked as “Coming Soon.” The page lists U.S. warehouse shipping options, but does not show that the product is currently available for purchase.
Market
Jun.08
UK Vaping Products Duty to Raise £565 Million by 2030/31
UK Vaping Products Duty to Raise £565 Million by 2030/31
The UK will introduce Vaping Products Duty on all vaping liquids from October 1, 2026, with government revenue forecast to rise from £135 million in 2026/27 to £565 million by 2030/31.
Jun.18
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.
Jul.16