While you may be aware of the health risks of tobacco use, you may not be aware of the threats posed by certain smoking alternatives. Smoking is associated with bad breath, gum disease, dental discoloration, oral cancer, and other oral health problems, and many people believe vapes or electronic cigarettes to be a safer option. Unfortunately, these devices are not the healthy alternatives they were marketed to be. Here are some tips from your dentist about what kinds of damage vapes and e-cigs can do to your teeth and oral tissues.
How Does Vaping Work?
Vapes or e-cigarettes are electronic devices that create an inhalable aerosol by heating a blend of liquids. These liquids have ingredients like nicotine, flavor particles, and chemicals to preserve moisture. These solutions can also contain harmful substances such as:
- Tiny particles that can be pulled deeply into the lungs
- Flavorings that have been linked to severe lung disease
- Carcinogens
- Highly reactive chemicals
- Heavy metals like tin, lead, and nickel
How Can Vaping Affect My Oral Health?
Vaping has several side effects that can negatively affect your oral health, including:
Dry mouth
Saliva is a crucial part of your mouth’s natural cleaning process. Chemicals in e-cigarettes can limit your ability to produce saliva, allowing food debris and harmful chemicals to accumulate in your mouth. Dry mouth can lead to bad breath, oral sores, and tooth decay.
Gum disease
Many vaping devices contain an addictive chemical called nicotine. Whether nicotine is vaped, smoked, or chewed, it causes blood vessels to constrict, which decreases blood flow to the gums. This makes it harder for them to heal and fight infections, which can cause gum disease.
Dental discoloration
Cigarette and cigar smoke contains tar, which can accumulate and create unsightly stains on teeth. While the aerosols inhaled during vaping may not contain tar, they still contain nicotine, which can stain the teeth as well.
Increased bacterial populations
Some chemicals used in vapes can help the harmful bacteria in your mouth survive and multiply. In one 2018 study, bacteria experienced a four-fold increase in microbial adhesion to tooth enamel after being exposed to vaping aerosols. Plaque doesn’t need any help being sticky, and vaping aerosols can be rich in the sugars harmful bacteria need to thrive and reproduce.
If you struggle with vaping, there are resources available to help you quit. By kicking destructive habits, you can ensure that your teeth stay healthy for life.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and continues to advance her skills by pursuing postgraduate courses. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her office in Frisco, TX provides general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on how vaping can harm your teeth, contact her office online or dial (972) 972-4646.