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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can your dentist tell if you vape?

A dentist may be able to tell if you vape if you have any side effects of dry mouth which can be caused by vaping. If they notice these signs, they may ask you if you smoke or vape to confirm what the cause is.

What does vaping do to the inside of your mouth?

Vaping can have a number of effects on the mouth as it causes a build up of plaque and gum inflammation. The cells in the gums are exposed to the aerosols in the vape which can cause them to become damaged and die. This will increase the change of gum infections and gum disease.

Does vaping ruin your teeth?

Vape liquid that contains nicotine, can reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the gums that helps them stay healthy. This can cause the death of cells in the gum leading to many gum problems. When there is something affecting the gums, it will usually affect the teeth as receding or infected gums can expose the root of the teeth or lead to the bone deteriorating. This can cause teeth to become loose and fall out.

Can vaping cause a bacterial infection?

Research has shown that people who vape have a higher number of bacteria in their mouth. This can put the person at a higher risk of developing infections in the mouth.

Is vaping bad for oral health?

Even though, the level of nicotine in a vape is lower than other tobacco products, it can still have a negative affect on the oral health of a person. Nicotine will cause cells in the gums to die which will lead to gum problems that affect all other areas of the mouth.