Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know cover art

Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know

Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know

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 Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know Hosts: Tabitha Acret (Australia) & Melissa Obrotka (USA) Episode Description In this critical episode, Tabitha and Melissa tackle one of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in oral health today: the harms of vaping and nicotine pouches like Zyn. Far from being "harmless alternatives," these products present significant risks that dental professionals need to understand and address. Key Topics Covered What Are Vapes and Nicotine Pouches? 🔑 Vaping devices (e-cigarettes): Heat liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals for inhalation 🔑 Nicotine pouches (Zyn): Tobacco-free pouches placed between the lip and gum, absorbed through the oral mucosa 🔑 Nicotine concentration: One Zyn pouch contains 6-12mg of nicotine (potentially more than a cigarette) Marketing Tactics: Big Tobacco 2.0 Bright colors and fruity flavors targeting teens and young adultsLifestyle branding and social media influence campaignsPackaging designed to look like gum or mintsStanford 2023 study: Flavored vaping products are the #1 reason adolescents try e-cigarettes Ingredient Breakdown E-liquids contain: NicotinePropylene glycolGlycerinFlavorings (including diacetyl linked to "popcorn lung")Heavy metals (lead, nickel)Volatile organic compounds Nicotine pouches contain: Nicotine salts (more bioavailable)pH adjustersFlavoringsFillers and binders Oral Health Impacts Vaping effects: Xerostomia (dry mouth)Gingival inflammationIncreased caries riskDelayed healingOral microbiome disruption Nicotine pouch effects: Localized gum recessionMucosal irritationLeukoplakia-like lesionsIncreased calculus formation Systemic Health Concerns Cardiovascular impacts: Increased blood pressure, heart rate, inflammation2022 JAMA study: Daily vaping linked to increased myocardial infarction risk in young adultsRespiratory conditions: 34% higher risk of chronic respiratory issues (2023 Lancet meta-analysis)Mental health: Potential links to increased anxiety and depression in teens Addiction Potential Single Zyn pouch may deliver more nicotine than a cigaretteAdolescents using nicotine pouches show similar addiction profiles to daily smokersProducts represent "harm redirection" rather than harm reduction Regulatory Landscape Australia Non-prescription nicotine vapes banned for importationEnforcement challenges remainZyn and similar pouches available through online retailers despite restrictions United States Zyn legally available (not classified as tobacco product due to no leaf content)FDA slow to regulate; issued warnings in 2023 but sales continue growingLimited oversight compared to traditional tobacco products Clinical Guidance for Dental Professionals Assessment Questions Ask specifically: "Do you vape? Use nicotine pouches?" not just "Do you smoke?"Include all age groups, especially adolescents and young adults Clinical Signs to Watch For Gingival traumaMucosal changesHalitosisIncreased bleeding during proceduresLocalized recession patterns Intervention Strategies Patient education about actual risks vs. perceived safetyInclude nicotine cessation counseling in treatment planningProvide referrals to cessation programs when appropriateUse uncomfortable conversations as opportunities for life-changing interventions Key Takeaways Reframe the narrative: These products aren't "better than smoking" – advocate for health, not just harm reductionEducation is essential: Many patients believe these products are safePrevention is our responsibility: Use clinical encounters to identify and interveneKnowledge sharing: Discuss with colleagues, patients, and community members Research References JAMA Network Open (2022): "Electronic Cigarette Use and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease"The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2023): "E-Cigarettes and Respiratory Health: A Meta-analysis"Tobacco Control (2022): "Adolescent Use of Nicotine Pouches"Stanford Research (2023): Impact of flavored vaping products on adolescent initiationAustralian Government Department of Health: Vaping Regulation Updates BONUS - Listen for a spontaneous guest on current events/trends in high school as Melissa's 17-year-old son, Jade Obrotka, makes his debut on the show and shares the vaping and Zyn (anecdotal) stats from his peers. Resources for Practitioners Cessation counseling tools and scriptsPatient education materialsCurrent research papers and clinical guidelinesRegulatory updates by region Connect with Disrupting Dentistry Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts and other major platforms Website: Disrupting Dentistry Podcast Share this episode if it resonated with you – knowledge sharing drives change in our profession! Instagram: Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist Send us an 📧 ...
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