Adolescents' Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Addiction.

BACKGROUND:  E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development. METHODS:  Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13-17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction. RESULTS:  Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids. CONCLUSIONS:  For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support.

Adolescent Perspectives on Their E-Cigarette Initiation Experiences.

PURPOSE: To examine adolescents' perspectives regarding external and internal influences of the e-cigarette initiation process. DESIGN: Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews. SETTING: California, remote videoconference. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents ages 13-17 who currently or previously used e-cigarettes (n = 47). METHOD: Interviews occurred from May 2020-February 2021. Two researchers coded transcripts based on a codebook developed inductively. Coded excerpts were reviewed to identify encompassing themes related to adolescent e-cigarette initiation. RESULTS: Adolescents were often near e-cigarette use by peers, family members, and others, creating ample opportunities to try e-cigarettes in response to curiosity, peer pressure, and desires to cope with stress or belong to a group. Adverse first experiences were common (eg, throat irritation, nausea), but many adolescents vaped again or continued to use regularly in attempts to cement friendships or alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, including low-cost, concealability, and variety in designs and flavors facilitated initiation, continued use, and nicotine dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents progress to e-cigarette use via a multistage process, starting where social expectations and opportunity converge. While individual circumstances vary, many continue to vape as a perceived coping tool for emotional issues, to gain social belonging, or influenced by e-cigarette characteristics that contribute to ongoing use and dependence. Efforts to deter use should address the devices themselves and the social forces driving youth interest in them.

Perceived discrimination and youth vaping: The role of intersectional identities.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarettes (also termed e-cigarette or vapes) often contain nicotine, an addictive psychoactive substance, which can have harmful effects during adolescence. Frequent experiences of discrimination are one risk factor shown to increase susceptibility to tobacco use, especially for individuals that identify as a social minority. Applying Intersectionality Theory, this research examined the relationship between youth experiences of discrimination and vape use at the intersection of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey data from 4747 youth (ages 12-17) that participated in the 2022 Teens, Nicotine, and Tobacco Project (TNT) online survey were used to evaluate the impact of discrimination on vape use for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or queer/questioning (LGBQ+) youth of color. RESULTS: Multivariable regression analyses showed that identifying as both a sexual and racial/ethnic minority was a risk factor for experiencing discrimination. Frequent discrimination and reporting discrimination due to sexual orientation was associated with a greater likelihood of ever and current vaping. Path models supported that discrimination mediated the relationship between intersectional identity and vape use. LGBQ+ youth of color reported more frequent discrimination, which was associated with a greater likelihood of ever/current vape use. CONCLUSIONS: Intersectionality Theory aids in understanding how discrimination can exacerbate tobacco-related disparities for youth with multiple minority identities. Findings corroborate the importance of measuring discrimination in public health surveys. Effective tobacco interventions could incorporate strategies to cope with discrimination-related stress.

Patterns in Tobacco, E-Cigarette, and Cannabis Advertising Exposure Among California Adolescents and Associations With Future Use Expectations.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to tobacco, e-cigarette, or cannabis marketing is associated with adolescent use. Few studies have examined advertising exposure prevalence and patterns across these products concurrently. METHODS: This study assessed past 30-day recalled exposure to promotional messages about tobacco, e-cigarettes ("vapes" on the survey), and cannabis ("marijuana") from various sources among California adolescents (ages 12-17) in the 2022 Teens, Nicotine, and Tobacco Online Survey (N = 2530). Principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the underlying structure and patterns in advertising exposure sources. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between any advertising exposure and future use expectations (a susceptibility measure) in one year and at age 25 among current never-users. RESULTS: Overall, 65.9% of participants recently noticed at least one tobacco (52.5%), vape (51.5%), or marijuana (45.6%) advertisement. Gas stations or convenience stores were the most common source for tobacco or vape ads; billboards were for marijuana ads. In PCA, advertising exposure patterns correlated with advertising source, not the type of product. Exposures from tobacco-specific sources and nearer point of sale were associated with current use, older age, LGBTQ + identity, and sensation seeking. Among never-users, advertising exposure was associated with one-year and age-25 use expectations for cigarettes (one-year expectations adjusted odds ratio: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.5), vapes (2.3; 1.5, 3.5), and marijuana (2.1; 1.5, 3.0). CONCLUSION: California adolescents' exposure to tobacco, e-cigarette, and cannabis marketing is common, follows similar patterns, and is associated with use susceptibility. Comprehensive restrictions on marketing accessible to adolescents could help prevent youth use.

Engagement, Mental Health, and Substance Use Under In-Person or Remote School Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents' school engagement, mental health, and substance use have been major concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly given disruptions to school instruction. We examined how the instructional setting was associated with academic and health-related outcomes within an adolescent cohort followed during the pandemic. METHODS: During 3 semi-annual follow-up surveys, adolescents (N = 1066 students; 2242 observations) from 8 California high schools responded to items measuring academic self-efficacy, school connectedness, internalizing and externalizing problems, and use of substances. Separate generalized estimating equation models predicted outcomes based on the instructional setting. RESULTS: Relative to in-person instruction, students in remote instruction reported lower academic self-efficacy (Beta: -0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.22, -0.01) and school connectedness (Beta: -0.37; 95% CI: -0.48, -0.25), greater odds of past 30-day internalizing problems (AOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.95), externalizing problems (AOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.82), and cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, or hookah use (AOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.06, 5.91), but lower odds of past 30-day e-cigarette use (AOR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple adverse outcomes related to school engagement, mental health, and substance use were associated with remote instruction. To reduce such impacts under future emergencies, schools should rely sparingly on remote instruction and provide appropriate supportive resources.

"I think we can do without [tobacco]": support for policies to end the tobacco epidemic among California adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The tobacco endgame, policies aiming to end the commercial tobacco epidemic, requires sustained public support, including among youth. We assessed endgame support among California (USA) adolescents, including their reasons and associated participant and policy-specific factors. METHODS: Teens, Nicotine and Tobacco Project online surveys (n=4827) and focus groups were conducted in 2021 and 2022 among California residents aged 12-17 years. Cross-sectional survey participants were asked their agreement level with eight policy statements related to tobacco and/or cannabis sales restrictions, use in public places and use in multiunit housing. Ordered logistic regression modelled level of agreement according to respondent characteristics, behaviours and statement content. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups (n=51 participants), which were analysed to provide insight into support for different policies. RESULTS: Most survey participants agreed or strongly agreed with tobacco product sales restrictions (72%-75%, depending on the policy), bans on use in public spaces (76%-82%) and smoke-free (79%) and vape-free (74%) apartment buildings. Support was stronger among younger, female, Asian and tobacco non-using participants and for policies directed at 'tobacco' (vs 'vapes' or cannabis), at flavoured tobacco (compared with all tobacco), and when statements featured 'should end' (vs 'not allowed'). Focus group participants who were supportive viewed policies as protecting children from harmful products, while those less supportive cited concerns about limiting adults' freedoms and unintended consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants supported strong tobacco control policies. Public communication that promotes broader endgame benefits besides protecting youth and accelerates industry denormalisation may counter youth concerns and further bolster their support.

Flavored Tobacco and Nicotine Use Among California Adolescents: Preferences by Use Experience and Survey Format Effects.

PURPOSE: This study assessed flavored tobacco use among adolescent e-cigarette, cigarette, cigar, hookah, and smokeless tobacco users; specific e-cigarette flavor preferences; risk profiles of youth that use various flavors; and the impact of survey question wording on prevalence. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 4,956 California adolescent participants (aged 12-17 years) in the Teens, Nicotine, and Tobacco 2021-2022 online panel survey estimated the survey-weighted prevalence of flavored tobacco use. An embedded randomized experiment assessed survey wording effects (i.e., any vs. "usual" flavor use). Qualitative data from four contemporaneous cycles of Teens, Nicotine, and Tobacco focus groups with California adolescents (N = 63) added themes relevant to the quantitative findings. RESULTS: 88.1% of current any tobacco users reported flavored tobacco use in the past 30 days. Flavor use was lowest for cigarettes (66.7%) and highest for hookah (92.8%). Fruit was the most popular e-cigarette flavor (51.6% any use; 28.8% usual use). E-cigarette users also commonly reported use of candy and cooling flavors. Sweet flavors were used most often among adolescents otherwise at low risk of tobacco use. Survey item format did not meaningfully affect overall prevalence of flavored product use but did impact reports of specific e-cigarette flavors. Focus group participants described sweet and fruity flavors as a motivating factor in their own e-cigarette use and as designed to appeal to children. DISCUSSION: Despite local policies, flavored tobacco use remains common among California adolescents. Survey items asking about any flavor use rather than usual use provide more information without affecting the overall prevalence of flavored tobacco use.

Effects of a Reduced Risk Claim on Adolescents' Smokeless Tobacco Perceptions and Willingness to Use.

PURPOSE: United States Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC submitted a modified risk tobacco product application to the US Food and Drug Administration, proposing a claim that switching to Copenhagen snuff fine cut from cigarettes reduces lung cancer risk. This claim could affect adolescents' smokeless tobacco perceptions and its use. METHODS: Students (N = 592; mean age: 15.3 years; 46% male; 32% nonHispanic White; 8% smokeless tobacco ever-users) at seven California high schools were randomized within a survey to view a Copenhagen snuff image, either with or without the proposed reduced risk claim. Participants were then asked about the harm of smokeless tobacco and their willingness to try Copenhagen snuff if a friend offered. Postimage harm rating and willingness were compared between image groups overall, stratified by past 30-day tobacco use (87% of tobacco users were e-cigarette users), and adjusted for participant characteristics using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Participants who viewed the claim were less likely to perceive smokeless tobacco to cause "a lot" of harm (56% vs. 64%; p = .03), including after statistical adjustment (risk ratio [RR]: 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 0.94), and with a numerically stronger effect among tobacco users (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.86). The claim did not increase willingness overall (17% vs. 20%; p = .41) but did increase willingness among tobacco users (RR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.67). DISCUSSION: Brief exposure to a reduced-risk claim decreased adolescents' smokeless tobacco harm perceptions and increased willingness to try among tobacco users. The Food and Drug Administration order permitting this claim could increase some adolescents' susceptibility to smokeless tobacco, particularly those already using other tobacco products like e-cigarettes.

Flavors increase adolescents' willingness to try nicotine and cannabis vape products.

BACKGROUND: Certain product characteristics, such as flavor, may increase adolescents' willingness to try vaped nicotine and cannabis (marijuana) products. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment embedded within the 2021-2022 California Teens Nicotine and Tobacco Project Online Survey was administered to a non-probability sample of N = 2342 adolescents ages 12-17. Participants were sequentially presented four randomly-generated pairs of hypothetical vape products that varied in device type (disposable, refillable), content (nicotine, marijuana, "just vapor"), and flavor (seven options) and asked which of these (or neither) they would be more willing to try if a best friend offered. Conditional logistic regression quantified associations between product characteristics and participants' selections, including interactions by past 30-day use of e-cigarettes, marijuana, or both. RESULTS: Candy/dessert, fruit, and fruit-ice combination flavors were all associated with greater willingness to try a vape product (versus tobacco flavor) among participants not using e-cigarettes or marijuana, those using only e-cigarettes, and those co-using e-cigarettes and marijuana. Among participants only using marijuana, the most preferred flavors were no flavor, candy/dessert, and icy/frost/menthol. Among participants not using e-cigarettes or marijuana, model-predicted willingness to try a displayed vape product was greater when products were sweet or fruit flavored than tobacco or unflavored, regardless of whether displayed options contained nicotine (fruit/sweet: 21 %, tobacco/unflavored: 4 %), marijuana (fruit/sweet: 18 %, tobacco/unflavored: 6 %), or "just vapor" (fruit/sweet: 29 %, tobacco/unflavored: 16 %). CONCLUSIONS: In this online non-probability sample, flavors in nicotine and cannabis vape products increased adolescents' willingness to try them. Comprehensive bans on flavored vapes would likely reduce adolescent use.

Cannabis use among adolescents and emerging adults who use e-cigarettes: Findings from an online, national U.S. Sample.

Concurrent use of e-cigarettes and cannabis among adolescents and emerging adults is a growing public health concern. More research is needed describing cannabis use among adolescents and emerging adults who vape. The objective of this study was to characterize cannabis use among adolescents and emerging adults (age 14-20) who reported e-cigarette ever-use, particularly their use of blunts and liquid cannabis vape (LCV) products. Using cross-sectional data from a national online survey, we describe their patterns of cannabis use, detail their use of flavored cannabis and tobacco products, and estimate associations of demographic factors and other current substance use behaviors with levels of blunt and LCV use. Of the 2253 respondents in the sample, 1379 (61 %) reported some form of cannabis use in the past 30 days, among whom 80 % used flavored cannabis (including edibles). Significant associations with current cannabis use were observed on several demographic measures, with current cannabis blunt use more frequent among participants not in school, non-Hispanic Blacks, multiracial respondents, and those whose incomes do not meet their expenses. Other than income, demographic characteristics were generally not associated with LCV use frequency. Use of other substances was associated with more frequent use of both blunts and LCV in the past 30 days, and enrollment in college or the military seems somewhat protective for emerging adults. These findings suggest a need for tailored prevention efforts among high-risk adolescents and emerging adults, potential regulation of added flavors in commercialized cannabis products, and stronger enforcement of retail restrictions for individuals under age 21 more broadly.

Use of Emerging and Conventional Oral Tobacco Among Adolescent and Young Adult E-Cigarette Users.

Background: National surveillance assessing use of novel oral tobacco products (OTPs; nicotine pouches, lozenges, and gums not approved for tobacco cessation) among adolescents and young adults is limited. Objectives: To assess OTP behaviors in a sample of adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users, including use prevalence, dual/poly use with other products, and associated demographics. Methods: A national (United States) cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to April 2021 among 2253 participants (ages 14-20; 65% female) who ever used e-cigarettes ≥3 times. Demographics, lifetime use, and past 30-day use of 10 tobacco and cannabis products, including novel and conventional (chew, moist snuff, or snus) OTPs was assessed. Analysis was descriptive, examining use prevalence (lifetime and past 30-day) of each product, including by demographics and other product use. Results: Nearly 44% reported ever using any OTP, with nicotine pouches being the most commonly ever used (29%) and used in the past month (11%). Novel OTP use was more common among older participants (18-20 years), male participants, and past 30-day users of e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco, and conventional oral tobacco. However, female participants and combustible tobacco non-users were over twice and 4-times as likely, respectively, to use novel OTPs than conventional OTPs. Nearly 73% of past 30-day conventional OTP users were past 30-day novel OTP users. Conclusion: Novel OTP use was prevalent among adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users. Compared to conventional OTPs, novel OTPs likely have greater appeal to females and combustible tobacco non-users. Action to restrict access and reduce interest in OTPs is needed to prevent use among this population.

Preferences, use, and perceived access to flavored e-cigarettes among United States adolescents and young adults.

Background: Citing concern over youth use, the Food and Drug Administration announced a prioritized enforcement policy against cartridge-based (reusable pod) e-cigarettes in non-menthol, non-tobacco flavors, effective February 2020. Data are needed regarding youth e-cigarette access and use behaviors following this policy. Methods: This cross-sectional national (USA) online panel survey, conducted March/April 2021, included 2253 participants ages 14-20 who ever used e-cigarettes ≥3 times (73% past 30-day users). Participants reported their flavor preferences, use reasons, and perceived ease of access. Latent class analysis categorized participants according to their preferred e-cigarette flavors, and multinominal logistic regression identified sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of class membership. Results: Most past 30-day e-cigarette users used reusable pod (77%) or modern disposable (68%) devices, ≥1 non-tobacco (92%), sweet (76%), and/or menthol flavors including fruit-ice (70%) (flavor and device categories not mutually exclusive). Most past 30-day users (70%) and non-users (63%) perceived it would be somewhat or very easy to acquire e-cigarettes in flavors they like. Latent class analysis identified four e-cigarette flavor preference classes: mint (34% of sample), no preference (29%), fruit/sweet (28%), and dislikes ≥1 flavor (10%). Relative to no preference, membership in fruit/sweet (RRR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.57) and mint (RRR: 3.85; 95% CI: 2.77, 5.36) classes was associated with using e-cigarettes ≥50 times. Fruit/sweet membership was inversely associated with combustible tobacco use (RRR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.66). Conclusion: Young e-cigarette users maintained ample access to flavored and cartridge-based products. Stronger access restrictions and enforcement are required to reduce youth e-cigarette use.

Oral and periodontal implications of tobacco and nicotine products.

Tobacco use contributes to more mortality and morbidity globally than any other behavioral risk factor. Adverse effects do not spare the oral cavity, with many oral diseases more common, and treatments less successful, in the tobacco-using patient. Many of the oral health effects of cigarette smoking are well established, but other forms of tobacco, including cigars and smokeless tobacco, merit dental professionals' attention. Recently, an expanding variety of new or emerging tobacco and/or nicotine products has been brought to market, most prominently electronic cigarettes, but also including heated tobacco and other noncombustible nicotine products. The use of cannabis (marijuana) is increasing and also has risks for oral health and dental treatment. For the practicing periodontist, and all dental professionals, providing sound patient recommendations requires knowledge of the general and oral health implications associated with this wide range of tobacco and nicotine products and cannabis. This review provides an overview of selected tobacco and nicotine products with an emphasis on their implications for periodontal disease risk and clinical management. Also presented are strategies for tobacco use counselling and cessation support that dental professionals can implement in practice.

Adolescents' Substance Use and Physical Activity Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Importance: Stay-at-home policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt adolescents' substance use and physical activity. Objective: To compare adolescents' substance use and physical activity behaviors before and after stay-at-home restrictions. Design, Setting, and Participants: Ongoing prospective cohort study of tobacco use behaviors among ninth- and tenth-grade students enrolled at 8 public high schools in Northern California from March 2019 to February 2020 and followed up from September 2019 to September 2020. Race/ethnicity was self-classified from investigator-provided categories and collected owing to racial/ethnic differences in tobacco and substance use. Exposures: In California, a COVID-19 statewide stay-at-home order was imposed March 19, 2020. In this study, 521 six-month follow-up responses were completed before the order and 485 were completed after the order. Main Outcomes and Measures: The prevalence of substance use (ie, past 30-day use of e-cigarettes, other tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol) and physical activity (active ≥5 days/week) was compared at baseline and follow-up. A difference-in-difference approach was used to assess whether changes from baseline to 6-month follow-up varied if follow-up occurred after the stay-at-home order, adjusting for baseline behaviors and characteristics. All models were weighted for losses to follow-up using the inverse probability method. Weights were derived from a logistic regression model for having a follow-up response (dependent variable), as predicted by baseline characteristics and behaviors. Results: Of 1423 adolescents enrolled at baseline, 1006 completed 6-month follow-up (623 [62%] were female, and 492 [49%] were non-Hispanic White). e-Cigarette use declined from baseline to 6-month follow-up completed before the stay-at-home order (17.3% [89 of 515] to 11.3% [58 of 515]; McNemar χ2 = 13.54; exact P < .001) and 6-month follow-up completed after the stay-at-home order (19.9% [96 of 482] to 10.8% [52 of 482]; McNemar χ2 = 26.16; exact P < .001), but the extent of decline did not differ statistically between groups responding before vs after the stay-at-home order (difference-in-difference adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.47-1.52; P = .58). In contrast, being physically active was unchanged from baseline if follow-up was before the order (53.7% [279 of 520] to 52.9% [275 of 520]; McNemar χ2 = 0.09; exact P = .82) but declined sharply from baseline if follow-up was after the order (54.0% [261 of 483] to 38.1% [184 of 483]; McNemar χ2 = 30.72; exact P < .001), indicating a pronounced difference in change from baseline after the stay-at-home order (difference-in-difference adjusted odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.35-0.69; P < .001). Overall in the cohort, reported use of other tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol did not differ meaningfully before and after the order. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort, a reduction in e-cigarette use occurred independently of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, but persistent cannabis and alcohol use suggest continued need for youth substance use prevention and cessation support. Declining physical activity during the pandemic is a health concern.

Beverage Advertisement Receptivity Associated With Sugary Drink Intake and Harm Perceptions Among California Adolescents.

PURPOSE: Evaluate associations of adolescents' beverage marketing receptivity with sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) perceived harm and intake. DESIGN: School-based cross-sectional health behavior survey. SETTING: Seven rural schools in California, 2019-2020. SUBJECTS: 815 student participants in grades 9 or 10. MEASURES: Participants viewed 6 beverage advertisement images with brand obscured, randomly selected from a larger pool. Ads for telecommunications products were an internal control. Receptivity was a composite of recognizing, liking, and identifying the displayed brand (later categorized: low, moderate, high). Weekly SSB servings were measured with a quantitative food frequency questionnaire and perceived SSB harm as 4 levels ("no harm" to "a lot"). ANALYSIS: Outcomes SSB intake (binomial regression) and perceived harm (ordered logistic regression) were modeled according to advertisement receptivity (independent variable), with multiple imputation, school-level clustering, and adjustment for presumed confounders (gender, age, screen time, etc.). RESULTS: In covariable-adjusted models, greater beverage advertisement receptivity independently predicted higher SSB intake (ratio of SSB servings, high vs. low receptivity: 1.48 [95% CI: 1.15, 1.89]) and lower perceived SSB harm (odds ratio, high vs. low receptivity: 0.59 [0.40, 0.88]). Perceived SSB harm was inversely associated with SSB intake. CONCLUSION: Beverage advertisement receptivity was associated with less perceived SSB harm and greater SSB consumption in this population. Policy strategies, including marketing restrictions or counter-marketing campaigns could potentially reduce SSB consumption and improve health.

Dental Hygienists' Knowledge Regarding Dental Implant Maintenance Care: A national survey.

Purpose: Dental implants are now considered the standard of care for supporting dental restorations in edentulous areas. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and practices of dental hygienists in the United States regarding dental implant assessment and maintenance care.Methods: A 34-item quantitative survey was developed and distributed nationally to a randomly selected sample of 10,000 dental hygienists from the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) email database. Responses were collected and analyzed via an online software program using frequency distributions for categorical variables.Results: A total of 2,018 dental hygienists participated for a response rate of 21%. The majority of respondents (98%) provided care to patients with dental implants. While the majority of respondents reported routinely assessing patients for bleeding/exudate, mobility, plaque/calculus, and tissue color around implants, 34% rarely/never checked for cement around implants, 31% rarely/never probed, and 54% rarely/never checked the occlusion. Nearly half of the respondents (44%) reported that they were unable to remove plaque as effectively from dental implants as from natural teeth. A majority (60%) reported using plastic/resin scalers, however only 7% of those who use plastic/resin scalers felt they were effective. While only 5% reported using air-polishers, 71% of the users felt they were effective. An oral irrigator was the most commonly recommended self-care hygiene aid for patients with implants and continuing education courses were the primary source of implant-related knowledge among respondents.Conclusion: The wide variation in implant-related assessment and maintenance care practices among dental hygiene respondents indicates a need for greater emphasis on evidence-based practices in dental hygiene curricula and in continuing education to ensure optimal care for patients with dental implants.

Electronic cigarette and moist snuff product characteristics independently associated with youth tobacco product perceptions.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco product characteristics convey product attributes to potential users. This study aimed to assess independent contributions of specific e-cigarette and smokeless tobacco product characteristics to adolescents' perceptions about these products. METHODS: In 2019-2020, students (N=1003) attending a convenience sample of 7 high schools in California (USA) were individually randomized to one of two discrete choice experiments, featuring either electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or moist snuff. Participants were presented like-product pairs of randomlygenerated hypothetical tobacco products differing in device type, flavor, vapor cloud, and nicotine amount (for e-cigarettes) or differing in brand, flavor, cut, and price (for moist snuff). Within pairs, participants were asked about which product they were more curious, was more dangerous, would give a greater 'buzz,' and would be easier to use. Conditional logistic regression was used to quantify independent associations of product characteristics to participants' choices. RESULTS: Each e-cigarette and moist snuff characteristic was independently associated with multiple product perceptions. All non-tobacco flavors were associated with more curiosity and perceived ease-of-use but lower perceived danger. Tank and pod-type e-cigarettes were viewed as easier to use and garnered more curiosity than 'cigalike' or 'drip-mod' devices. Smaller vapor cloud e-cigarettes and lower-price moist snuff were viewed as less dangerous, less buzz-inducing, and easier to use. Product ever users held stronger perceptions than never users about device type (e-cigarettes) and brands (moist snuff), while product naïve participants more strongly associated flavor with danger and buzz. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco product characteristics convey product attributes to adolescents that may increase appeal. Restricting specific characteristics, including flavors, could reduce positive perceptions of these products among youth.

Dental Hygienists' and Dentists' Tobacco Cessation Continuing Education Preferences: Application of a Discrete Choice Method.

Despite ample opportunity, dental professionals frequently fall short of connecting tobacco-using patients with effective cessation support, often citing lack of training as a barrier. To inform development of training options, the aim of this study was to quantify the preferences of practicing dental hygienists and dentists in California for continuing dental education (CDE) offerings related to tobacco and patient tobacco cessation. Two statewide surveys of California dental hygienists and dentists were conducted. In addition to providing their own and their practice characteristics, in a discrete choice experiment, participants indicated their preferences between pairs of randomly generated hypothetical tobacco cessation CDE offerings that differed in topic, cost, delivery modality, and duration. Ultimately, 641 dental hygienists (20.5% of the total invited minus those with undeliverable emails, n=3,129) and 654 dentists (8.5% of the total invited minus those with undeliverable emails, n=7,669) responded to at least one of the discrete choice items, and their responses were analyzed. The results showed that each CDE attribute was independently associated with preference. Cost and topic were more strongly associated with preference than were delivery modality and duration. Lower cost, shorter duration courses were generally favored. Alternative tobacco products and patient communication were the most popular topics for participating dental hygienists and dentists, respectively. CDE preferences differed according to participant characteristics: live webinars were the least preferred modality for more experienced dental professionals, and shorter courses were not preferred by dentists in non-urban locations. These findings showed that these dental professionals considered multiple attributes in selecting CDE courses. To reach the broadest audience, CDE providers should offer low-cost options across a range of delivery modalities, such as full-day workshops in rural areas and online webinars for earlier career professionals.

Exposure to a Tobacco-Specific Carcinogen Among Adolescent Smokeless Tobacco Users in Rural California, United States.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately the same percentage of male high school students in the United States currently uses conventional smokeless tobacco as smokes cigarettes, resulting in toxin exposure. METHODS: This study assessed tobacco product use (smokeless, combustible, and electronic cigarettes) and nicotine and carcinogen exposures in a sample of 594 male rural high school baseball players-a population traditionally at risk for smokeless tobacco use. Salivary specimens were assayed for cotinine (a biomarker of nicotine exposure) and urine specimens for 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL, a biomarker of the carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The prevalence of past 30-day use of any tobacco product was 29%. Past 7-day smokeless tobacco use (prevalence: 13%) was associated with the highest levels of cotinine and NNAL observed in the sample, whether smokeless tobacco was used exclusively (geometric means: cotinine 11.1 ng/mL; NNAL 31.9 pg/mg-creatinine) or in combination with combustible products (geometric means: cotinine 31.6 ng/mL; NNAL 50.0 pg/mg creatinine). Cotinine and NNAL levels were incrementally higher in each increasing category of smokeless tobacco use frequency. However, observed levels were lower than previously reported for adults, likely reflecting less smokeless use per day among adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these biomarker observations, adolescents who use conventional smokeless tobacco products are exposed to substantial levels of nicotine and NNK. Although exposed to lower levels than adult smokeless users, the findings are concerning given the young age of the sample and tendency for smokeless tobacco users to increase use intensity over time. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that adolescents using smokeless tobacco are exposed to levels of nicotine and NNK that increase with use frequency and that exceed exposures among peers using other tobacco products. Youth smokeless tobacco use in the United States has not declined along with youth smoking prevalence, giving greater importance to this health concern. To reduce youth (and adult) exposures, needed actions include effective smokeless tobacco use prevention, potentially in combination with reducing the levels of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals in smokeless tobacco products currently popular among adolescents.