Vapes and e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular over the last decade. The belief is that they are a healthier alternative to normal cigarettes, but how true is this as far as oral health is concerned? Different studies have investigated the effects of e-cigs on dental wellbeing and while the long-term implications remain unknown, this is how vaping affects the mouth in the short-term:
- According to a recent research article in Plos One, the aerosol in e-cigarettes contributes to bacteria buildup in the mouth. As a result, people that vape regularly have more bacteria in their teeth than nonsmokers. Excess bacteria leads to gum disease and tooth decay.
- A 2014 study from PubMed Central reported that frequent vaping leads to mouth and throat irritation. Recorded symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness.
- Another PubMed Central study, this time from 2016, suggests that they cause an inflammatory reaction in gum tissue. Untreated gum inflammation has been known to lead to periodontal disease.
- One of the base chemicals in e-cigarettes, propylene glycol, extracts moisture from the mouth, causing dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth, in turn, causes smelly breath, tooth decay, and canker sores.
If you smoke e-cigarettes frequently, you are exposing your gums, teeth, and entire mouth to a slew of dental health problems. If the effects are not yet apparent, stop vaping immediately and visit a dentist.
Residents of Texas may visit Mission Bend Family Dentistry, one of the leading dental clinics in Richmond for a checkup. Call 832-895-5110 now to make an appointment.