14 - E-cigarettes

Question 1

What is an e-cig?

Answer 1

Current passes through resistance coil within the fluid which produces vapour containing nicotine

Question 2

What makes up the liquid for e-cigs?

Answer 2

• propylene glycol
• vegetable glycerine
• flavourings
• nicotine (levels range from 0-16mg/ml)

Question 3

Why do people use e-cigs?

Answer 3

• aid to quitting smoking
• less toxic alternative
• cheaper alternative
• reduce smoking
• alternative for places with cigarettes are banned (eg inside)
• hand to mouth habit maintained
• socialising

Question 4

What are the oral side effects of e-cigs?

Answer 4

• mouth and throat dryness
• lichenoid reactions
• unknown risks for oral cancer, perio, mucosal lesions

Question 5

Should you advice patients to use e-cigs?

Answer 5

• advise not a lot of evidence but appear safer than tobacco
• better to stop completely if possible but can be a good bridge