How Vaping Tobacco and Cannabis Affects Cavity-Causing Germs in Your Mouth
Effect of aerosolized tobacco and cannabis products on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans interkingdom cariogenicity
This research explores how vaping tobacco and cannabis products might change the bacteria and fungi in your mouth, potentially leading to more cavities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how the aerosols from electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS) containing tobacco or cannabis affect two common mouth germs, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. These germs work together to cause cavities, especially in young adults who vape. While previous studies often used pure nicotine, we are focusing on the actual vape aerosols to better understand their real-world impact. Our goal is to uncover how these vaping products encourage the growth and harmful activity of these cavity-causing germs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to adolescents and young adults, aged 21 and older, who use aerosolized tobacco and cannabis products.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use aerosolized tobacco or cannabis products may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand why vaping leads to more cavities and develop new ways to prevent oral health problems for people who use these products.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have shown that pure nicotine or cannabis smoke can affect oral germs, this research takes a more novel approach by focusing on the actual vape aerosols.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lux, Renate — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Lux, Renate
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.