E-Cigarette Explosion Injuries: Severe Oral Trauma Case
Author: American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Published: 2016/06/02 - Updated: 2026/02/13
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Warnings - Advisories - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This research, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by the University of Cincinnati, documents the first detailed scientific case study of catastrophic oral injuries sustained when an e-cigarette exploded in an 18-year-old user's mouth upon activation. The study provides critical evidence for medical professionals treating vaping device injuries, detailing severe oral and abdominal burns, extensive soft tissue lacerations, fractured teeth, and complete tooth avulsion that will require multiple reconstructive surgeries. For individuals with disabilities who may use e-cigarettes as smoking alternatives, and for caregivers of vulnerable populations including seniors, this medical case report offers vital safety information about lithium-ion battery failures in vaping devices that can cause life-altering facial trauma and long-term functional impairments requiring substantial medical intervention - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Exploding E-Cigarette Causing Serious Mouth Injuries
Oral Trauma and Tooth Avulsion Following Explosion of E-Cigarette, featured in the June issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, examines the oral hard and soft tissue injuries resulting from an E-cigarette explosion. The University of Cincinnati study describes in detail the severe oral and abdominal burns, oral lacerations, and lost and fractured teeth sustained when an E-cigarette exploded in an 18 year old's mouth. According to the victim, the explosion occurred the moment he pushed the button that activated the device. This is the first report published in the scientific literature describing this extent of damage and oral injuries resulting from an E-cigarette explosion.
Main Content
Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) are sold under some 450 brands and come in more than 7,600 flavors. The vaporizing ("vaping") device that delivers nicotine through E-cigarettes includes a heating element and a cartridge that holds the vapor solution, a mixture of nicotine, flavorings and other additives. The device's power source is usually a lithium-ion battery triggered a button.
E-cigarettes are designed to resemble conventional cigarettes, but are touted as a healthier alternative.
Most consumers view them as a smoking cessation aid. However, this claim is countered by reports citing other adverse effects linked to some components of E-cigarette vapors. Reports of explosions and fires caused by E-cigarette delivery devices have led the U.S. Fire Administration to evaluate their safety.
The authors emphasize that the damage suffered will require multiple procedures to reconstruct the lost tissue, and to re-establish functional and cosmetically acceptable results. In addition surgeries to repair the damage will involve substantial time and cost expenditures. They stress that the reporting of such injuries in the literature will be beneficial until concrete data from large-scale studies becomes available.
The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is published monthly by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to present to the dental and medical communities comprehensive coverage of new techniques, important developments, and innovative ideas in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Practice-applicable articles help develop the methods used to handle dentoalveolar surgery, facial injuries and deformities, TMJ disorders, oral cancer, jaw reconstruction, anesthesia, and analgesia. The journal also includes specifics on new instruments and diagnostic equipment as well as modern therapeutic drugs and devices.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: As e-cigarettes continue to be marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking, this documented case serves as a stark reminder that device safety remains a critical concern, particularly for users who may already face health challenges or have limited mobility to respond quickly to device malfunctions. The extent of injuries described - requiring ongoing reconstructive procedures and creating permanent functional changes - underscores the need for better consumer awareness about battery safety, proper device handling, and the recognition that "healthier alternative" claims do not encompass the physical dangers posed by lithium-ion battery failures in unregulated devices held directly against the face - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and published on 2016/06/02, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.