Oral Health Implications of Electronic Cigarette Use Among Libyan Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) consumption has escalated substantially among young adult populations globally; however, empirical evidence regarding its oral health consequences remains sparse, particularly within North African contexts. This investigation sought to examine the association between e-cigarette utilization patterns and dental caries prevalence among Libyan young adults. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was conducted in Tripoli, Libya, enrolling 86 male participants aged 18–35 years who were current or former e-cigarette users. Data acquisition employed structured questionnaires to capture demographic characteristics and vaping behaviors (duration, frequency, device type, nicotine concentration, flavor preference, and pre-bedtime use), complemented by clinical oral examinations utilizing the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Analytical approaches comprised descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons, and multiple linear regression modeling. The mean DMFT score was 5.9 (SD 4.2), with 32.6% of participants demonstrating high caries burden (DMFT ≥8). Significant associations emerged between elevated DMFT scores and prolonged usage duration (p<0.001), constant daily consumption (p=0.002), nicotine concentrations ≥30% (p=0.038), and vaping within one-hour preceding bedtime (p=0.018). Multivariate regression identified duration of use as the predominant independent predictor (β=0.48, p<0.001), with each additional year associated with a 0.89 increment in DMFT score. The model accounted for 48% of the variance in DMFT scores (R²=0.48, p<0.001). Among Libyan male e-cigarette users, extended duration, frequent utilization, elevated nicotine strength, and bedtime vaping demonstrated independent associations with heightened caries severity. These findings underscore the imperative for dental clinicians to routinely assess e-cigarette use and implement targeted preventive interventions