Vaping and My Oral Health

Smoking is detrimental to your oral health. It significantly increases the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, bad breath, & stains your teeth. So is vaping any better? New research demonstrates that vaping may be just as bad for your smile as smoking traditional cigarettes.
Vaping involves the use of an electronic device called an e-cigarette that heats a liquid & releases an aerosol a user inhales. The misconception that the aerosol is harmless water vapor cannot be further from the truth. Aside from nicotine, ultra-fine particles of heavy metals & toxic chemicals can wreak havoc on your oral & overall health!
E-liquids containing nicotine pose a risk to your oral health. The chemical acts as a muscle stimulant, increasing the risk of tooth grinding (bruxism), which leads to tooth wear & oral health complications. It also stains teeth, causes bad breath, alters the blood flow to the gums, impacts cell function, decreases tissue turnover, & increases the severity of gum disease, leaving the user at risk of tooth loss.
The harms of vaping don’t stop here. When used orally, propylene glycol, a main ingredient in e-liquids, breaks down into acids that damage the tooth enamel & propionaldehyde, which irritates the soft tissues. Moreover, it increases the risk of dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia, potentially leading to tooth decay, gum disease, & bad breath.
Another ingredient, vegetable glycerin, is a slightly sticky liquid sweetener that helps bacteria cling to grooves onto the chewing surfaces of a vaper’s teeth. Moreover, when mixed with flavorings, the combination allows bacteria to flourish & significantly increases biofilm growth while decreasing the hardness of the tooth enamel.
Vapers need to realize that this so-called “healthy alternative” to smoking is not healthy at all. It’s just as harmful & creates the perfect conditions for rampant decay, gum infections, & tooth loss! It’s best to refrain from vaping.
It’s important to care for your oral health & brush with fluoride toothpaste & floss regularly. Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule your routine dental exams & cleanings to allow us to monitor your oral health & treat any dental problems as they develop.
Visit May Conte D.D.S. Cosmetic, Implant & Family Dentistry to learn more about the impact of vaping on your oral health. We are proud to provide quality preventive services to support your oral health every step of the way. Call us and schedule your appointment today: 661-505-2926.