EFFECTS OF CANNABIDIOL EXTRACT FROM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES ON ORAL HEALTH

Abstract

Aim of the study The purpose of this study is to highlight the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes in the daily lives of the population. As more and more people, especially young individuals, are encouraged to choose this vice as less harmful than conventional cigarettes and are attracted by different flavours or strengths to choose it, dental professionals are compelled to sound the alarm about potential oral health issues, as well as overall health concerns. Material and methods. The subjects of this study were divided into 3 categories: non-smokers, conventional cigarette smokers, and electronic cigarette smokers; saliva samples, both stimulated and resting, were collected from each. Saliva samples were taken to determine salivary flow, viscosity, and consistency of unstimulated saliva, resting saliva pH, stimulated saliva quantity, and buffering capacity of stimulated saliva. Additionally, the conventional cigarette smoker and electronic cigarette smoker groups will be proposed the use of electronic cigarettes, whose liquid will contain an essential oil of Cannabidiol (CBD). This is the active ingredient derived from the hemp plant and is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant, being recognized for its impressive medicinal and antioxidant properties. Results. The results indicated no significant differences in the average salivary pH values after CBD among the three groups. The mean buffering capacity of stimulated saliva at the initial evaluation was 8.71 for conventional cigarette smokers and 8.43 for electronic cigarette smokers. After using CBD-containing cigarettes, the average value reached 8.14 for both conventional cigarette smokers and electronic cigarette smokers. Conclusions. Among conventional cigarette smokers, only one (14.3%) stated that they would replace their current cigarettes with Cannabidiol-based ones, while among electronic cigarette smokers, 4 (representing 57.1%) would switch to Cannabidiol-based cigarettes. None of the surveyed subjects reported mucosal lesions after using CBD-containing electronic cigarettes. Among conventional cigarette smokers, 28.6% stated that using CBD electronic cigarettes helped them relax, while among electronic cigarette smokers, 57.1% shared the same opinion. No significant differences were found in the average values of stimulated saliva quantity after CBD among groups. There are no significant differences between groups regarding the buffering capacity of stimulated saliva after CBD, confirming the limited implication of CBD in saliva. The evolution of salivary pH after using CBD cigarettes was not statistically significant for any of the groups.

Keywords

• electronic cigarette
• cbd
• propylene glycol
• vegetable glycerine