Vaping is becoming an increasingly popular way to consume nicotine, and many people are under the impression that it is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, there is still much we don’t know about the long-term effects of vaping on our oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential dangers of vaping and how it can affect your teeth and gums. If you are a vaper or have a child who vapes, then this information is important to know!
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. The vapor typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavorings, however the exact formulation can vary. Vaping is different from smoking cigarettes because there is no combustion involved. This means that there is no tobacco smoke being inhaled into the lungs.
Because of this, many people are under the impression that vaping is healthier than smoking cigarettes. Although there is some research that suggests vaping may have less oral health risks than smoking, there is little evidence available to support this theory. Not to mention, there has been little research on the long-term effects of vaping since it is a rather new phenomenon.
How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health
Whether or not the risks associated with vaping are comparable to smoking, it is important to note that vaping is not risk-free. In fact, there are several ways that vaping can affect your oral health.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common effects of vaping is dry mouth, or a lack of saliva production. This occurs because the propylene glycol in the vapor pulls moisture from your mouth and throat. Vape juice that contains nicotine can also make dry mouth worse. This can lead to an increase in cavities and gum disease, since saliva is used to keep the mouth clean.
Tooth Decay
Additionally, vaping can cause tooth decay by increasing the amount of acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. This acid can break down the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. Vape juice containing nicotine can increase the risk of tooth decay since nicotine can increase the amount of plaque accumulation on the teeth.
Stained Teeth
Vaping can also stain your teeth. The nicotine in the vapor turns yellow when it comes into contact with oxygen, and this can cause your teeth to become discolored. Additionally, the propylene glycol in the vapor can attach to plaque and cause it to become more difficult to remove.
Bad Breath
Another common effect of vaping is bad breath. This is because the vapor from the electronic cigarette can cause bacteria to build up in your mouth and throat. Additionally, the propylene glycol in the vapor can make your saliva thicker, which can lead to a buildup of bacteria.
Gum Disease
Finally, vaping can also cause gum disease. The propylene glycol in the vapor can irritate your gums and lead to inflammation. This inflammation can eventually lead to periodontal disease, which is a serious form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Gum inflammation is also more likely to occur in people who use vape juice containing nicotine and/or artificial flavorings.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed the potential risks of vaping on oral health. Although more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of vaping, it is clear that there are some potential dangers associated with this habit. If you are a vaper or have a child who vapes, be sure to talk to your dentist about the best way to protect your teeth and gums. Remember, it’s important to take care of your mouth so that you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come!
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
