Is Vaping Safe For Your Teeth And Gums?

An increasingly popular alternative to tobacco, vaping has recently come under the spotlight regarding health concerns

There is little doubt that vaping has become the most popular way for people to quit smoking. This is understandable as it still allows for the habit of ‘drawing’ on a cigarette like object whilst still getting the desired nicotine effect, but without the tar and other carcinogens so often found in traditional smoking materials.

While there has been a general consensus for a while that this is a preferable habit to smoking, more concerns are being raised as further information is found about the longer term effects.

There will be much to read about this in the coming months and years no doubt, but the team at Blue Sky Dental feel that it is worth looking at the risks of vaping to your teeth and gums, as far as they are currently known. Information might change of course, but at the moment, it appears that vaping does come with risks to our Chelmsford patients who partake.

Nicotine

This addictive substance is present in vaping oils as well as in regular tobacco. This is probably one reason why the switch has been so popular and easy for so many people. Unfortunately though, nicotine can have a negative impact on your oral health and one thing that it does is to narrow blood vessels. This includes the tiny ones that reside in your mouth and in the gums. This narrowing can restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the gums and increase the risk of periodontal diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis. As we have previously mentioned, this could lead to loose, wobbly teeth and even, potentially, tooth loss.

Enamel harm

To produce the steam that is inhaled, high temperatures have to be reached. Although these are not hot enough to burn your mouth, they can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, causing some erosion. In addition to this, although these products don’t contain tar, the nicotine within, and possibly other chemicals too, can also stain your teeth, leaving them discoloured and less attractive. If you continue to vape, you may wish to look at aesthetic dental veneers to prevent any further damage from occurring.

Dry mouth

Like cigarettes, many people who vape will experience a dry mouth. Not only is this an unpleasant feeling, but one that can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums. As we have previously discussed in our blogs, a dry mouth provides the perfect breeding ground for potentially harmful oral bacteria. When this happens, gingivitis and periodontitis are much more likely. If you do smoke, or vape, make sure to drink plenty of water so that you stay hydrated throughout the night.

Teeth grinding

One side effect of vaping that some people experience is a rise in anxiety and tension, possibly caused by the nicotine. It is not uncommon for built up anxiety to result in night time teeth grinding. The damage caused by this can range from enamel erosion right through to fractured and broken teeth. TMJ problems are also common, leading to a painful jaw and possible headaches too.

Oral cancer

Even though the risk of oral cancer is lower than through smoking traditional cigarettes etc, and we are not encouraging anyone to switch back (better to quit altogether), vaping products do often contain chemicals that are thought to increase the risk of cancer. Whether you smoke or vape, it is especially important that you see a dentist regularly for a check up so that any potential indications of mouth cancer can be investigated further.

‘Vaper’s tongue’

This is a condition that can occur in people who vape. It can result in changes to your taste buds, and even your favourite vaping flavours may taste strange for a while. This can also affect your general taste buds and remove much of the enjoyment of eating.

As we mentioned before, switching from tobacco to vaping is a positive step if you can’t quit altogether. Most people who switch don’t go back to cigarettes etc, but that doesn’t mean that the habit is problem free. As you can see from the above, vaping comes with risks that are best avoided. If you have switched and have been vaping for a while, now might be the time to take the next step and seek help to quit altogether. If you don’t smoke or vape but are considering doing so, please don’t. There is much that is not yet known and worse news could yet be to come.

If you would like to arrange a visit to our Chelmsford dental practice for an oral health check, or for advice, please call Blue Sky Dental on 01245 211070.