Is vaping bad for your teeth?
While vaping products containing nicotine are illegal unless on a prescription (and subject to regular nicotine laws), they have become a common alternative to traditional cigarettes. Most of us are familiar with the effects of smoking on teeth and gums, but it’s just as important to consider the impact of vaping on oral health.
We asked The Practice dentists for their advice on vaping and dental health and the impact it can have on your teeth, mouth and gums.
Vaping and oral health
Vaping is the electronic version of smoking. It works by heating liquid, usually containing nicotine, to produce an inhalable vapour. This can cause dental issues as it creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria within the mouth. The liquid inside a vape can stay on teeth and gums causing issues, especially when it contains nicotine.
Some dental issues may include:
Tooth decay and cavities:
The chance of decay and cavities increases when there is a large amount of bacteria present in your mouth. It can harm your dental enamel and compromise the structural integrity of your teeth. Read more about tooth decay and cavities.
Gum inflammation:
It’s not only your teeth that can be affected by vaping, it can also have consequences for your gums. E-cigarettes can trigger inflammatory responses in gum tissue causing irritation. This may increase the chance of developing periodontal diseases – especially when flavoured vapes are being used.
Discoloured teeth:
Just like traditional cigarettes, using vapes containing nicotine can result in discoloured teeth. The nicotine residue can attach itself to your dental enamel, fostering the accumulation of plaque and grime.
Dry mouth:
As well as increasing the amount of bacteria in your mouth, vaping can also cause you to have a dry mouth. This can result in tooth decay and gum disease, as well as mouth sores and bad breath.
How to protect your smile
While we recommend avoiding vaping altogether due to the numerous health risks, we understand some individuals may choose to continue. Here are a few ways you can minimise the impact of vaping on your dental health:
Limit your nicotine intake: The lower the nicotine concentrations may reduce some of the adverse effects of vaping.
Stay hydrated: To counteract the effects of dry mouth it’s important to stay hydrated and drink water post-vaping.
Prioritise oral hygiene: Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and use mouthwash.
Schedule regular dental checkups: 6-monthly dental check-ups are essential and will help you identify any dental problems before they escalate into something more serious.
Vaping and oral health
Vaping isn’t a tooth-friendly alternative to traditional cigarettes, so it’s important to be aware of the issues that may arise from continued use. For personalised advice, we recommend speaking with one of our West End dentists who can give you all the information you need.
Schedule an appointment today and make oral health your priority.
