According to the CDC, there has been an astounding increase since 2011 in the number of U.S. high school students using e-cigarettes—about one in four high school teens and one in five middle schoolers vape. Invented in 2003, this form of nicotine delivery is the most popular among the nation’s youth. Here, the dental care experts at Pedodontic Associates on Oahu and Maui, HI, explain the impact of vaping and e-cigarettes on the health of young people in Hawaii.

Status of E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes have become the chosen form of tobacco among young people rather than traditional products such as cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, and chewing tobacco, notes the CDC. Like conventional cigarettes, these electronic devices contain the addictive substance nicotine, but in liquid form. Powered by batteries, e-cigarettes heat the liquid and produce an aerosol mist that users inhale.

E-cigarettes are marketed as a more “fun” way to smoke—they come in a variety of flavors and colors, and distributors often use contests as campaigns to create buzz, such as who can make the biggest cloud of vape. Because of fewer regulations, these companies are allowed to advertise where traditional tobacco products can not.  

Minors are drawn to the candy-like flavors and like that vaping does not involve smoke, fire, and ash. With these factors in mind, research has found that middle schoolers who may not have tried traditional cigarettes previously have smoked because they tried e-cigs first. 

Effects of Nicotine

Young brains are more vulnerable to the negative effects of nicotine than adult brains. Addiction, attention deficit, mood disorders, reduced ability to control impulses, and increased desire for other addictive substances are among the ill effects of nicotine on developing brains. As dental care experts, pediatric dentists also note that vaping can affect oral health as well, producing a dry cough or chemical burns on the palate.

Impact in Hawaii

The Hawaii state Department of Health estimates that one out of three high school students on Maui uses e-cigarettes, and there are reports of elementary school students vaping—27% have tried them. Acknowledging the dangers of nicotine in 2016, Hawaii became the first state to raise the legal tobacco and e-cigarette smoking age to 21. The state is also working on a bill to tax e-juice just as they do tobacco, as well as tightening restrictions for online purchases to keep e-cigs out of the hands of minors and requiring shops to carry the same licenses and permits as tobacco carriers. 

For a team of dental care experts concerned about your child’s total health, including the effects of vaping, turn to the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates. For over 25 years, these dedicated professionals have provided compassionate oral and dental care for children of all ages. Call one of their three offices today: (808) 487-7933 for Pearlridge, (808) 735-1733 for Kahala, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. Visit their website for more information about their services.