BSPD supports King’s College Hospital on new vaping and oral health leaflet for teenagers

The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has partnered with King’s College Hospital to produce a new evidence-based leaflet “Beyond the clouds: The truth about vaping” designed to help teenagers understand the risks that vaping poses to their oral and general health. The resource has been developed to support young people, parents, schools and healthcare professionals as concerns continue to rise about vaping among children and young people.

Dr Vikash Patel, Speciality Registrar in Paediatric Dentistry and Dr Maalini Patel, Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, at King’s College Hospital, led the development of the leaflet and worked closely with the hospital’s paediatric respiratory team. It provides clear, accessible information on what vapes contain, how they affect the body, and the specific oral health consequences linked to e-cigarette use. It also directs young people to trusted sources of support if they feel pressured to vape or want help to stop.

Children and young people with developing bodies are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine and other chemicals found in vapes. The leaflet highlights the potential oral impact of vaping including dry mouth, changes affecting gum health, mouth irritation and other potential oral-health effects. Because youth vaping is a relatively recent trend, the long-term effects of vapes on oral health are still being investigated. As new research continues, we will learn even more about their lasting impact on the mouth and teeth.

Dr Oosh Devalia OBE, Past President of BSPD, welcomed the new resource and emphasised the importance of strengthening national action on youth vaping. She said:

“Vaping has become far too visible in the lives of children and young people. Although vapes may be presented as an alternative to smoking for adults, they are not harmless for children and teenagers. Nicotine can lead to dependence, and vaping may affect the mouth as well as general health, while we are still learning about its longer-term consequences for developing bodies.

Young people deserve clear, honest information and practical support to make informed choices. BSPD supports stronger action to protect children from vaping, including robust controls on marketing, flavours and under-age sales, alongside investment in independent long-term research.”

Dr Vikash Patel, Paediatric Dentist, King’s College Hospital said:

“At King’s College Hospital, we are collaborating with our Paediatric Respiratory team to create information for children and young people regarding the risks of vaping and how to access support. This leaflet aims to give teenagers clear, honest information about what vaping can do to their bodies and their mouths, and to encourage conversations with families, schools and healthcare professionals. We hope it will empower young people to make informed choices and seek help early if they need it.”

BSPD and King’s College Hospital hope this new resource will support national efforts to reduce youth vaping and ensure oral health remains central to wider public health discussions.