Vaping is surging in popularity, even though we still don’t know precisely how it affects our overall and oral health. With the long-term studies still ongoing, it’s difficult to say what the health consequences of vaping will be in another decade.
However, we know that vapes and e-cigarettes are not conducive to oral health. As we will explain in this article, these products do have a negative effect on your teeth and gums.
Yes, Vaping Affects Your Teeth. Here’s How.
Vapes and e-cigarette devices do impact your oral health; however, we don’t yet know to what extent.
In the last decade, vaping has become increasingly popular. That being said, a decade isn’t long enough to determine the long-term effects. Studies are ongoing, and scientists learn more every year, but more time is needed.
It appears that vaping poses fewer oral health risks than smoking cigarettes, but you are still inhaling chemicals through your mouth. The juice used in vapes and e-cigarettes can still contain harmful ingredients, including nicotine.
Therefore, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to vaping and e-cigarette products. You should take these potential side effects seriously, as they can have harsh consequences for your oral health.
1. Dry mouth
Studies have found that some e-cigarette and vape-based liquids can lead to mouth dryness. Most e-liquids contain propylene glycol, which is a hygroscopic chemical. This means it draws in moisture, thus stripping your mouth of its natural saliva and causing dryness.
Additionally, e-liquids often contain vegetable glycerin. Vegetable glycerin creates a thicker vapour that lingers in your mouth for longer, furthering the dehydration effect of the propylene glycol.
Thus, bad breath, mouth sores, and tooth decay are all results of chronic mouth dryness.
2. Excess bacteria
A dry mouth is also a prime environment for bacteria. Dry mouths lack adequate saliva, meaning that bacterial growth can quickly get out of control. One of the main jobs of saliva is to wash away excess bacteria, food debris, and sugar residue on which the bacteria feed.
Excess bacteria create a more acidic oral environment and accelerate plaque accumulation. These factors directly contribute to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
3. Tooth decay
Less saliva leads to more bacteria, which then leads to an increased likelihood of tooth decay. If your mouth is too acidic, the acid eats away at the crucial enamel layer that protects your teeth. Tiny holes develop in the enamel, providing bacteria with easy access to the innermost layers of your tooth. When this happens, you get a cavity.
An untreated and severe cavity can result in a painful infection within the tooth’s dentin. The only way to treat that type of infection is with a root canal.
Furthermore, certain chemicals contained in the vaping fluids actually break down into acids that also damage your tooth enamel. Other flavouring chemicals are sticky and sweet, which promote plaque buildup.
4. Gum, mouth, and throat irritation
Some studies suggest that vaping triggers an inflammatory response in gum tissues, as well as in the mouth and throat. Ongoing gum inflammation, in particular, can lead to gingivitis and more serious periodontal diseases.
You should therefore monitor your gums for signs of inflammation, such as tenderness, swelling, and redness.
5. Staining
The chemicals in vapes and e-cigarettes can cause your teeth to turn yellow or brown. This staining effect is considerably more severe if the mixture contains nicotine.
We know that nicotine causes tooth discolouration. After all, one of the major side effects of smoking is staining on your teeth precisely because of the presence of nicotine. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the nicotine found in some vapes and e-cigarettes has the same effect.
Although vapes and e-cigarettes lack the tar found in tobacco cigarettes (which also contributes to tooth discolouration), they contain other sweeteners and dyes that can promote staining.
Additionally, dry mouth, reduced saliva levels, and increased bacterial growth can lead to more pronounced teeth staining.
Does the presence (or absence) of nicotine have an effect?
Absolutely. Nicotine has extensive negative health consequences, regardless of whether you’re smoking tobacco cigarettes or vaping.
That being said, more research needs to be done to fully understand the effects of nicotine from vaping. Historically, most research focused on the nicotine delivered through cigarette smoke.
Vaping a fluid that contains nicotine may result in the following side effects: dry mouth, plaque accumulation, gum inflammation, teeth discolouration, periodontitis, receding gums, and addiction.
Are there any other ingredients to avoid?
So far, only a few e-liquid ingredients are known to have negative effects on your oral health. However, it can be difficult to know what’s in your vaping or e-cigarette pod.
Regardless, you should avoid nicotine, propylene glycol, and menthol. Additionally, flavoured e-liquids may also cause more gum inflammation than non-flavoured liquids.
Is it possible to minimize the side effects?
The best way to minimize the side effects of vaping and protect your oral health is to quit vaping immediately. Although more research needs to be done to determine just how detrimental vapes are to your health, we understand enough to know that they’re not beneficial.
Vaping is (probably) healthier than smoking, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
Some people choose to use a vape or e-cigarette as a stepping stone to quitting smoking. There may be some benefits to this; however, you should still aim to be nicotine-free.
If you vape, it’s crucial to look after your teeth. Here are some tips:
- Limit your nicotine intake by opting for a low-nicotine or nicotine-free juice.
- You can minimize dry mouth and bad breath by drinking water after you vape. This can also help mitigate the staining effects of vaping.
- Maintain a rigorous oral health routine (brushing twice a day, flossing once per day, and using a fluoride toothpaste). This combats staining, tooth decay, and gum inflammation.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral health evaluations.
Protect Your Oral Health With Casa Dental in Toronto
At Casa Dental, our comprehensive services utilize the latest technology to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our team of experienced dentists and dental professionals are dedicated to protecting your oral health!
We provide the best possible oral health care in a warm and welcoming environment, making your visit as pleasant and painless as possible. Furthermore, we offer flexible payment options and insurance plans so that excellent dental care is accessible for all.
To book an appointment in Toronto, call Casa Dental at 888-920-5324 or contact us here.
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