CDA Conversation: Investigating the impact of e-cigarettes on oral health with Dr. Janet Leith
June 12, 2015
Dr. Janet Leith, General Dentist in Ottawa, spoke with Dr. John O’Keefe about a research she presented at the Bytown Study Club that investigated the impact of e-cigarettes on oral health. Dr. Leith points out the importance of this exercise as she learned very important and interesting facts about e-cigarettes. She also emphasized that e-cigarettes need to be further researched and investigated so that oral health care providers can adequately advise their patients.
Watch the video interview
Kudos to Dr Leith for taking the extra step in doing the research she was motivated to do. I feel I have now been better informed, so as to assist my patients further.
This should be a lesson we all could incorporate in our pursuit of answers for questions that may arise both in ourselves or as prompted by our patients.
Rather than hearsay opinions, and thanks to the internet, with objectivity(this can be a challenge..) and perseverance, the answers we seek are accessible.
Thanks for the info. Job well done Janet. I can now make better informed comments about these products to my patients.
Great interview John and Janet, here is a link to an award to a recent student who researched e-cigs in the Dublin Dental University Hospital
http://www.dentalhospital.ie/royal-academy-of-medicine-in-ireland-odontology-dental-section-bronze-medal-award-to-cian-henry/
“Cian’s presentation entitled “The electronic cigarette is a welcome addition to the smoking cessation armamentarium” was comprehensively researched and detailed the evolution of the electronic cigarette and it’s possible role in clinical practice. He concluded that it may be cautiously welcomed especially for those patients highly resistant to conventional smoking cessation strategies provided that it’s efficacy for cessation is validated by high quality research and it’s long term safety guaranteed.”
Cochrane have also just published a review on the topic, and although there is limited evidence they have given a cautious positive review.
I completely agree with Janet, I think an honest conversation with our patients regarding e-cigs, highlighting both the benefits and risk is the way to go!