Estado del PH salival asociado al uso de cigarrillos electrónicos o Vapes de estudiantes de medicina en la UCSG A 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: The use of vapes and electronic cigarettes causes certain alterations in the mouth, such as xerostomia, bad breath, caries and also certain complications in the respiratory system which can be affected with prolonged use. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the state of salivary pH associated with the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes by medical students at UCSG A-2023 and the effects that may occur in oral health. Materials and methods: An observatory, quantitative, exploratory study was carried out on salivary pH by means of pH measuring strips in which we could observe that this was found to be neutral, reaching the conclusion that the low generation of saliva does significantly affect the oral health of the medical students of the Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil. Results: 64% of the respondents were female and 36% male, we determined that women consume vapes more frequently. When asked about age, the most predominant group was between 17 and 20 years of age with 76%, while 62% of those surveyed stated that they did not smoke, and a minimum number of 11% have been vaping for more than two years. In the students' ph, a neutral range was found between 6 and 7. Conclusion: Vape is perceived as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco use, although the impact is adverse on oral health, suggesting greater education and awareness among medical students about the potential risks that may occur in the long term.