5 dangers of vaping for dental health
Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, has gained popularity in recent years as a seemingly safer alternative to traditional tobacco. However, many smokers and non-smokers, including young people, are unaware of the dangers that vaping can have on their dental health.
- Implications of vaping
- Implications of vaping on dental health
- Does vaping stain teeth?
- Tips on how to take care of your mouth when vaping
What does vaping mean for our mouth?
As dentists, it is our responsibility to inform you about the risks of vaping on your oral health and how it can affect your smile.
Vaping involves inhaling vapour from liquids containing nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals. These liquids are heated in an electronic device and inhaled through the mouth. Although some believe that the vapour from e-cigarettes is harmless to teeth and gums, recent studies have shown otherwise – e-cigarettes are just as harmful as conventional cigarettes.
Consequences of vaping
Here are some ways in which vaping can negatively affect dental health:
Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of vaping. Decreased saliva production can have a negative impact on oral health, as saliva is essential for keeping the mouth moist and neutralising acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.
Gum irritation: Vaping can cause gum irritation, which can result in redness, swelling and bleeding. Swollen and bleeding gums are signs of periodontal disease, a cause that can lead to tooth loss if not treated in time.
Erosion of tooth enamel: The liquids used in e-cigarettes can be highly acidic, which can cause erosion of tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost protective layer of the teeth and its erosion can expose underlying tooth tissue, increasing the risk of tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.
Oral tissue damage: Prolonged exposure to the hot vapour and chemicals in e-cigarettes can cause damage to oral tissues, including the gums, tongue and all mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. This can result in oral lesions, ulcers and sores, which can be uncomfortable and painful.
Delayed oral healing: The nicotine in vaping fluids can affect the body’s ability to heal itself. This can have a negative impact on recovery after dental treatment, such as tooth extraction or oral surgery. It can also affect the healing of wounds in the mouth, such as ulcers and sores.
Does vaping stain teeth?
Yes, vaping can also cause tooth staining. Although e-cigarette vapour does not contain the harmful chemicals present in traditional tobacco smoke, such as tar and carbon monoxide, it does contain substances that can affect the appearance of teeth.
Some of the ingredients in vaping fluids can cause staining of the teeth. Nicotine, for example, is an addictive substance that can have a negative impact on oral health and can also cause yellow or brown stains on teeth.
Continued exposure to vapour from e-cigarettes and the chemicals present in them can contribute to the build-up of stains on the teeth, which can affect the appearance of the smile. These stains can be difficult to remove with regular oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, and may require professional teeth whitening procedures to restore the natural colour of the teeth.
Tips for taking care of your mouth when vaping
Here are some tips for maintaining good oral health while vaping:
Maintain good oral hygiene: As with traditional tobacco, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene if you vape. Brush your teeth at least three times a day with fluoride toothpaste and use accessories such as dental floss, interproximal brushes or irrigators.
Hydrate: Drink enough water to maintain good hydration and stimulate saliva production to balance the oral pH.
Clean and care for your vape device: Regularly clean the tank and device parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid build-up of debris and bacteria. Also, make sure to use quality vape liquids and avoid liquids with high levels of nicotine or strong flavours that may cause mouth irritation.
Although our best and most important advice is to eliminate the use of vaping, because no matter how well they want to sell it, its effects are the same as conventional tobacco and your health is compromised, don’t be fooled and quit smoking.
If it has been a while since you last visited your dentist, ask us for an appointment so that we can carry out a check-up and check your general dental health.
Make an appointment at Clinicas Udemax and choose the location that best suits you: Udemax in the outpatient clinics of Policlínica Juaneda, in Arcdental or in Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. For more information, call us on .