Vaping and Oral Health
Vaping is still quite a new product on the market so the effects it can have on a person’s health are still not well known. Research has shown that vaping can have a negative impact on your oral health. However, it still has fewer negative affects than smoking cigarettes does. Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we recommend quitting either cigarettes or vaping for a healthy smile.
Most research has found that vaping can cause a variety of problems in the mouth such as:
Bacteria Build Up– when teeth are exposed to the aerosols in a vape it causes a large build up of bacteria compared to people who do not vape. It can become excessive in-between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas. This can then lead to toot decay and gum disease.
Dry Mouth– The liquid in vape products contain propylene glycol which can cause dry mouth. Dry Mouth has been known to lead to bad breath, sores, ulcer and tooth decay.
Gum Inflammation– Research shows that vaping can trigger inflammation in the gum tissue which can be linked to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Tissue Irritation– In some cases vaping has been known to cause irritation and redness in all parts of the mouth and throat.
Cell Death– Studies have shown that vaping can damage the DNA in the gums. This means cells cannot grown which cause them to age and die sooner. Dead cells can speed up the process of dental problems like periodontal disease, bone or tooth loss, dry mouth and tooth decay.
There has been a lot of research to find out if vaping is better than smoking. This research suggested that those who smoke were more prone to excessive amounts of plaque build-up and gum inflammation compared to those who vape. People who switched from smoking to vaping had improved oral health but still had more problems than a non-smoker. There is still not a lot of research on vape liquid that contains nicotine but there is a high change that is can put someone at a higher risk of developing oral problems such as:
- Mouth Dryness
- Excessive amounts of plaque
- gum inflammation
- teeth discolouration and stains
- teeth grinding (bruxism)
- gingivitis
- periodontitis
- gum recession
If you do vape there a few steps you can take to limit the side effects caused by vaping.
Here are some suggestions:
- Try to avoid vape liquid that contains nicotine
- Drink water after vaping to prevent dry mouth
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day
- Come for regular dental check ups and cleanings here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic
The bottom line is that there is not enough research into the short and long term effects of vaping so it is recommended not to do it to prevent any problems that could occur with your oral health or overall health.