Shisha Has Deleterious Effects on the Oral Health of Many

Abstract

A waterpipe (WPS) (Shisha) is a nicotine-delivery device in which tobacco smoke is passed through water before being inhaled1). Smoking a Shisha has been a traditional practice in Middle Eastern societies for hundreds of years2). As is well known, the tar involved in a single inhalation of waterpipe smoking is about equivalent to that in five cigarettes. A waterpipe session can be equivalent to smoking about 100-200 cigarettes3,4). The use of waterpipes is increasing around the world, especially among young people and women3-6). It has become an endemic global phenomenon4). WPS have a false sense of safety because waterpipes are used casually in social gatherings and smoking them is a recreational activity both indoors and outdoors5). It is estimated that 70% of WPS believe waterpipes to be a safe alternative to cigarette smoking3-6). Raj et al.2) concluded that the mistakes of parents and the belief of the young that smoking WPS is not as dangerous as smoking cigarettes have enabled WPS to take the practice lightly, contributing to its growth and popularity in the Middle East