Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping have become extremely popular in recent years. Users are drawn to e-cigarettes because they offer fewer health concerns than tobacco. However, few people consider the potential influence of e-cigarette or e-juice chemicals on mouth health. While vaping does not contain the tar that cigarettes do, some vaping components can affect teeth and gums. 

What’s in an E-Cigarette?

E-cigarettes operate by heating a liquid, commonly referred to as vape juice, until it becomes an aerosol or vapor. Water, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings make up the liquid. Unlike regular cigarettes, vape juice does not include tar, although it does contain nicotine in most kinds.

The Basics of Vaping

It’s essential to understand how vaping works before discussing how it impacts your dental health.

People use vaping products to deliver substances to their lungs, such as nicotine. By heating a liquid and changing it into a vapor that the user may inhale, the device creates an aerosol. Other chemicals, flavorings, and additives are frequently found in vaping goods in addition to the primary substance.

Some people mistakenly believe that vaping is healthier than smoking or chewing tobacco. The truth is we have no idea. We don’t have enough data to establish accurate long-term comparisons because vaping is so new. However, we are learning about the negative consequences of vaping, which appear to be the tip of the iceberg. Many vaping components, including nicotine, are proven to be hazardous to a person’s oral health and overall health.

Is Vaping Harmful to Your Teeth?

One chemical that can be damaging to oral health is removed when the tar is removed. However, research into the long-term effects of the other compounds used in vaping is still in its infancy. As a result, it’s unclear how safe they are. However, dental practitioners are aware that some of the compounds in e-cigarettes are harmful to oral health.

Bacteria inhalation is a potential hazard.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria settling in the pits and crevasses of teeth, resulting in cavities. The act of inhaling an e-vapor cigarette introduces microorganisms into the Mouth. Like a diet of sticky, sugary foods, these extra bacteria lead to plaque accumulation in the Mouth. Users may become more cavity-prone, mainly if they do not practice proper dental hygiene.

Dry Mouth is exacerbating the problem

Some users have dry mouths as a result of the propylene glycol in e-cigarettes. Although dry Mouth may appear to be a minor irritation, it can lead to more serious oral health issues. Saliva is the Mouth’s natural defense against germs. Some of the moisture is lost due to the heat and chemicals used in vaping. Tooth decay is easier to spread when there isn’t enough saliva, which increases the risk of cavities. Another adverse effect of dry Mouth is painful ulcers on the gums and other oral tissues. Chronic foul breath is also becoming more widespread.

Gum Disease and Vaping

Excessive germs and dry Mouth can harm gum health. However, the act of vaping may be detrimental to gum tissue as well. Some users develop a sensitivity to the chemicals in e-cigarettes, in addition to blisters caused by dry Mouth. They have the potential to irritate and inflame the gums. They will bleed and create pockets when the gums recede under challenging situations. These are periodontal disease’s early warning signals.

Candy-like flavors that are just as bad

The great variety of tastes available is part of what makes vaping so popular. You may have noticed that the vapor from e-cigarettes has an intense sweetness to it. The flavorings utilized have qualities similar to those found in confectionery and drinks with a high sugar concentration. They may, however, have the same effect on teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

You must avoid nicotine

Nicotine is by far the most harmful component in e-cigarettes. Although not all vape juices include nicotine, the majority of them do. The chemical is to blame for several oral health problems.

  • Tooth Stains and Nicotine

The tar causes most stains on teeth in cigarettes, but it can also be caused by vaping. Nicotine remains colorless until it comes into contact with oxygen, at which point it turns yellow. Smokers who switch to vaping in the hopes of keeping their teeth whiter will be disappointed. Many vaping patients end up needing professional teeth whitening to get rid of the stains.

  • Gum disease is a condition that affects the gums

Dental specialists have known for a long time that nicotine is unhealthy for your teeth. It lowers blood supply to the Mouth’s soft tissues, which can be the source of various diseases.

Long-term nicotine consumption can lead to gum disorders such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum tissue deterioration can cause teeth to become loose and even fall out in severe cases. Nicotine reduces blood flow, which adds to dry Mouth and the inability to fight microorganisms mentioned earlier.

Batteries are made with lithium

The battery used in the vaping liquid is one of the less evident risks to oral health linked with vaping. These batteries have the potential to explode under certain circumstances, resulting in serious injuries. It could cause serious harm if it happens while the e-cigarette is in or near the Mouth. The lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue may be wounded, and teeth could be broken. Restorative dental procedures may be required.

If you decide to vape, there are a few things to keep in mind. The influence of e-cigarettes and vaping on dental health is currently being investigated. Although e-cigarettes are not as dangerous as traditional cigarettes, they pose some risks—people who vape should know about the risks to their physical and dental health. There are a few things that can reduce the risks to oral health.

  • Reduce or eliminate nicotine from your diet. Choosing nicotine-free vape juice can alleviate many concerns.
  • Drink plenty of water to replenish the moisture lost via vaping.
  • A dry mouth can lead to a variety of problems, including foul breath.
  • Maintain proper oral hygiene routines. Brushing and flossing regularly is the most potent prevention against oral health problems.

Finally, schedule regular professional cleanings and checks with your dentist. Use our online tool to find a dentist if you don’t have one.