SUMMARY OF THE PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOP (Colgate sponsored)

Thursday 24th of September, 9am to 12am, Timisoara, 2026 Congress

 

Theme Adolescent Health and Oral Health:

Addressing developing trends with a public health perspective

 

Chair: Niall McGoldrick

Speakers: Nicola Gray, Magnus Lundbäck

Panelists: Nicolas Giraudeau, Magnus Hakeberg, Lina Stangvaltaite-Mouhat

Adolescence is a critical period between childhood and adulthood for establishing lifelong health behaviors. During these years, rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes shape how young people feel, think and make decisions. Adolescent health behaviors are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including peer influence, social pressures, stress and the desire to explore and experiment.

Yet current health policies and prevention strategies do not always adequately address the specific needs and realities of adolescents. Responding effectively to these challenges requires adolescent-centered, holistic and cross-sectoral approaches that reflect young people’s daily lives and create supportive environments for their health and well-being.

The rapid increase in the use of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products among adolescents is a striking example of how quickly new health challenges can emerge. Originally developed and marketed primarily as smoking cessation products for adults, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular among young people and may contribute to the initiation and development of nicotine dependence. In Europe, around 14% of adolescents report using e-cigarettes, a prevalence substantially higher than that observed among adults.

Vaping is not without health risks. Exposure to nicotine and other substances in e-cigarette aerosols may affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as other biological processes. Among young users, concerns include respiratory effects, impaired immune responses and the potential consequences of nicotine exposure on the developing brain. Oral health may also be affected, with vaping associated with dry mouth, gingival irritation and changes to the oral microbiome growth and adhesion, potentially contributing to periodontal disease and dental caries. Moreover, Flavored e-liquids may contain fermentable sugars, increasing risk for caries.

These concerns highlight the importance of understanding how emerging and changing behaviors—from vaping and the use of nicotine pouches to excessive screen time—can influence adolescent health. They also underline the need for prevention strategies that are responsive to rapidly evolving products, behaviors and social environments.

Keynote presentations and expert discussion

The workshop opened with two keynote presentations introducing complementary perspectives on adolescent health promotion.

Dr Nicola Gray (University of Huddersfield, UK) explored the ecological and developmental perspectives that are essential for effective health promotion among adolescents. She highlighted the importance of understanding adolescent development, strengthening health literacy and addressing the social determinants of health when designing preventive interventions.

Dr Magnus Lundbäck (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) focused on the health effects of emerging tobacco and nicotine products. Drawing on research investigating the effects of nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, he presented evidence on their potential impact on cardiovascular health and blood vessels.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Niall McGoldrick (University of Dundee, UK), bringing together public health experts from France, Norway, Sweden and the UK. The panel explored the situation across Europe, including the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents and the regulatory frameworks governing the advertising, promotion and sale of nicotine and nicotine-free products. The discussion covered a range of products, including e-cigarettes, disposable devices (“puffs”), nicotine pouches and nicotine gums.

From knowledge to action: engaging with adolescents

The final part of the workshop invited participants to reflect on a practical question: What would you need to know before visiting a school to talk to adolescents about nicotine products and other emerging, non-combustible products?

Participants considered several key aspects:

  • Which products are currently available and being used by adolescents?
  • What are the potential general and oral health risks associated with these products?
  • How can health professionals communicate effectively and engage meaningfully with adolescents?
  • What approaches can help create an open, non-judgmental dialogue with young people?
  • Which organisations and resources can provide adolescents and professionals with credible, evidence-based information?

The workshop highlighted the importance of moving beyond simply informing adolescents about health risks. Effective prevention requires an understanding of the products and behaviors that shape young people’s lives, communication approaches adapted to their perspectives, and meaningful adolescent participation. Strengthening collaboration between public health, education, healthcare and other sectors will be essential to ensure that prevention strategies remain relevant to the rapidly changing health landscape facing today’s adolescents.