The figures

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 40 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 use tobacco worldwide, and 15 million young people in the same age group use e-cigarettes. In fact, in countries where data is available, the likelihood of vaping is, on average, nine times higher among adolescents than among adults.

In Spain, the Ministry of Health reported a few months ago that the average age of initiation into smoking is 14.1 years, and the average age of daily use is 14.4 years. The most common type of smoking combines packaged cigarettes with roll-your-own cigarettes. E-cigarette use remains high among students aged 14 to 18. The good news is that in 2025 there was a significant drop: 49.5% reported having used them at some point in their lives, representing a 5.1 percentage point decrease compared to 2023.

Effects of tobacco on oral health

Dr. Óscar Castro Reino, president of the General Council of Dentists, explains that “tobacco remains one of the main risk factors for numerous serious oral pathologies. Furthermore, new forms of nicotine consumption are not without risks and also cause significant damage to the oral cavity.” Among the main consequences of tobacco use on oral health are:

• Periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Higher risk of oral cancer.
• Dental implant failure, delayed healing after surgery or dental treatments.
• Appearance of dental stains and halitosis.
• Decreased salivary flow and a sensation of dry mouth.
• Increased accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar.

Alternatives to traditional cigarettes are not harmless.

The public perception that new vaping devices or oral tobacco are "harmless" or "less harmful" is worrying. Although scientific evidence is still limited, there are already indications that demonstrate their detrimental effects on oral health.

• Vaping devices and electronic cigarettes (with and without nicotine): the aerosol or vapor they generate contains ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and chemical compounds that disrupt the oral microbiota (the beneficial bacteria in the mouth), increasing the risk of cavities. Furthermore, the heat generated by these devices chronically irritates the mucous membranes.
• Snus and nicotine pouches: When placed directly between the lip and gum for extended periods, this type of oral tobacco causes severe irritation. Due to its high nicotine content, it is highly addictive. Its use is directly linked to gingival recession (the gums recede, exposing the tooth root) and the development of leukoplakia.

The dentist, key in prevention

Dr. Castro emphasizes the crucial role of dentists in the early detection of tobacco-related oral lesions and in providing guidance on quitting smoking. He underlines that "regular dental checkups allow for the early identification of potentially malignant lesions and other smoking-related pathologies, thus improving the prognosis and quality of life for patients."

“The best treatment continues to be not consuming tobacco or nicotine products in any form,” concludes the president of the General Council of Dentists.

Source: https://consejodentistas.es/40-millones-de-adolescentes-consumen-tabaco-en-todo-el-mundo/