E-cigarette explosions

One main goal of the DIHFS dental team is to prevent tooth loss. We work hard for our patients to provide education and information on the ways to prevent the need for dental extractions. A new trend contributing to tooth loss is exploding e-cigarette batteries. 

 A 2018 published study in the BMJ Evidenced-Based Medicine Journal found that from 2015-2017 e-cigarette battery explosions sent over 2,000 Americans to the emergency room for injuries and burns. In most cases, users did not know the potential of e-cigarette battery explosions. In a large majority of cases, the explosions resulted in the loss of multiple teeth and shattered jaws. In a few cases, the explosions also caused death due to shrapnel causing serious injury.

The best way to prevent injury from e-cigarettes is to not use them. However, the FDA has made a website and released various tips to help avoid “vape” battery explosions since they are otherwise unregulated products by the government and not all e-cigarette manufacturers conform to safety standards.

1. Consider using vape devices with safety features such as vent holes and protection against overcharging.
2. Keep loose batteries in a case to prevent contact with metal objects. Don’t let batteries come in contact with coins, keys, or other metals in your pocket.
3. Never charge your vape device with a phone or tablet charger. Always use the charger that came with it.
4. Don’t charge your vape device overnight or leave it unattended.
5. Replace the batteries if they get damaged or wet.

Visit this FDA webpage for more information on what else you can do to prevent an e-cigarette explosion. If any adult would like information on how to quit e-cigarettes, text “QUIT” to 202-899-7550. Youth and young adults can access a new e-cigarette quit program by texting “DITCHJUUL” to 88709.

Dr. Adriana Zuniga, DDS
Dentist