Vaping, once touted as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Some people who enjoy the practice are trying to kick their tobacco habit, others simply enjoy the flavored vapor. But however harmless vaping may appear, it still poses many risks to oral health that are often swept under the rug. If you’re curious about how vaping can affect your oral health, continue reading.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of vaping is dry mouth. The ingredients in “vape juice,” often include humectants like propylene glycol. These are chemicals designed to prevent the loss of moisture when added to the juice base. However, it can have the opposite effect on your mouth, reducing saliva production.
Saliva is necessary for oral health as it rinses food particles, neutralizes acids, and protects against bacterial plaque. When saliva production is decreased, it can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Gum Irritation and Disease
Vaping can also irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and damage. The heat from the vapor, combined with the chemicals in e-cigarettes, irritates the delicate tissues of your gums. If you continue to vape, these irritants can lead to gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth. This can, in turn, expose the tooth roots and make them more sensitive.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
The sweet flavors often found in vape juice can be harmful to teeth. While they may taste pleasant, these flavors contain sugar and other additives that stick to your teeth. This slowly causes the tooth to decay, resulting in cavities. Some vape juices even contain acids that can further weaken tooth enamel, leading to erosion heavy risk of decay.
Increased Risk of Oral Cancer
Although more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of vaping on oral health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of a potential link between vaping and oral cancer. The chemicals and carcinogens present in vape juice, as well as the heat generated by vaping devices, may increase the risk of developing oral cancer over time.
So, while vaping may be advertised as a safer alternative to smoking, it’s still not great for your oral health. If you believe your dental health has suffered due to vaping, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They can help you reverse the negative effects so you can smile again.
About the Author
If you’re ready to recover your smile from the effects of vaping, Dr. Beverly Rose can help. She has been serving the Melbourne area for nearly 30 years, using ultramodern dental technology to provide exceptional treatment. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, she has expanded her skills through involvement in multiple professional organizations and the renowned Las Vegas Institute. Call (321) 259-4666 to schedule an appointment at Exceptional Dentistry: Beverly Rose, DMD, or visit the website to learn more.