Oral Health Professionals' Knowledge and Perceptions of Vaping Oral Health Effects and Cessation Resources: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION

Vaping (use of electronic cigarettes) is widespread. While vaping may help people quit smoking tobacco, there are potential oral health implications. Oral health professionals (OHPs) are uniquely positioned to monitor the oral health of patients who vape. This scoping review aimed to answer: 1) What knowledge and perceptions do OHPs have about vaping's potential impact on oral health? and 2) What educational resources and guidelines are available to assist OHPs in supporting vaping cessation?

METHODS

The review followed the JBI methodology and searched 12 databases from 2003 to February 2024. Four researchers independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

From 1094 initial records, 40 sources were included. Seventeen cross-sectional studies with 12 745 participants showed variability in OHPs' knowledge and perceptions regarding vaping's impact on oral health. Most OHPs perceived vapes as harmful, though opinions varied on whether they were less, equally, or more harmful than cigarettes. Twenty-three resources (mainly from the USA) discussed various oral health effects potentially associated with vaping, including xerostomia, periodontitis, and dental caries. Available guidelines recommended that OHPs routinely ask, advise, and provide vaping cessation support, with advice tailored to patient profiles. However, educational resources for OHPs regarding vaping cessation support were scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant research gaps regarding OHPs' knowledge and perceptions about vaping and limited evidence-based resources to guide OHPs in providing vaping cessation support to their clients.