How Vaping Affects Your Teeth and Gums
Around the world, 82 million people vape. It’s rapidly become a popular choice for people trying to move away from traditional cigarettes to electronic alternatives. However, it’s also become very fashionable among young people. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 high school students used a vape pen in 2020.
With its increase in popularity, the side effects of vaping have become a real concern. For your teeth, tooth decay, gum recession, enamel damage, and even tooth loss have become major areas of study. Whether you vape recreationally or are using it to quit smoking, understanding its impact on your oral health is essential.
Are Vaping and Smoking the Same?
While both involve inhaling substances, the processes and health risks differ.
Smoking burns tobacco, releasing nicotine plus 7,000 other chemicals you absorb through your lungs.
Vaping uses a battery to heat liquid and turn it into vapor, which is then absorbed into your lungs similarly to smoke. However, vaping comes with its own set of health risks, particularly for oral health.
What’s in Vape Liquid?
Vape liquid typically contains:
- Propylene Glycol or Vegetable Glycerin
- Nicotine
- Flavorings
The vape heats this mixture using a coil, turning it into gas or vapor. While e-cigarettes are marketed as safer than traditional cigarettes, they still contain harmful chemicals that affect oral health.
Oral Side Effects of Vaping
The different chemicals in vapor make changes to your mouth that can damage your teeth:
1. Dry Mouth: Vaping reduces saliva production, making gum disease much more likely.
2. More Bacteria: The chemicals in vapor are perfect for germs and bacteria, causing bad breath and tooth decay.
3. Inflammation: Vaping causes swelling and red gums, leading to gum disease or gum recession.
4. Damaged Enamel: Some chemicals impact enamel strength, causing tooth decay and tooth loss.
5. Oral Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest vaping can damage cells in the mouth, potentially leading to oral cancer.
The Problem with Dry Mouth
Saliva is essential. It contains substances that kill bacteria, break down food, and stop acid from damaging teeth. Vaping reduces saliva production, making it harder for your body to:
- Stop acid from attacking your teeth
- Wash away food that helps bacteria grow
- Repair your teeth
People who experience dry mouth from vaping often develop:
- Higher risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking
- Reduced taste sensation
- Bad breath
The Oral Microbiome and Vaping
Your mouth is full of good bacteria that help break down food and protect your gums and teeth. Vaping disrupts this balance by increasing bad bacteria (like Veillonella and Fusobacterium) that create bad breath and can lead to abscesses requiring antibiotics or tooth removal.
Vaping also slows or stops the growth of good bacteria, leaving your mouth unprotected and increasing your risk of infection, tooth decay, and gum recession.
Dental Problems from Vaping
Tooth Discoloration
Vape liquid is brown-yellow and can stain your teeth. The chemicals create deep stains that brushing cannot remove. Professional teeth cleaning and whitening can help.
Tooth Decay
The liquid in vapes is perfect for cavity-causing bacteria. Scientists believe people who vape have a higher risk of tooth decay and tooth loss.
Enamel Erosion
Some vape ingredients are acidic, damaging tooth enamel and making teeth weaker. Nicotine can also cause teeth grinding, which damages teeth further.
Gum Recession
Vaping causes gums to become smaller, impacting your smile and increasing the chance of gum disease. In serious cases, this can lead to tooth loss.
How to Protect Your Teeth If You Vape
- Book regular check-ups: Your dentist can catch problems early, reducing pain and future costs.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Rinse your mouth: Remove leftover vape chemicals after vaping to protect your oral microbiome.
- Increase saliva production: Chew gum and drink lots of water to avoid dry mouth problems.
- Consider quitting: Talk to your doctor about quitting vaping. Resources like "This is Quitting" and "My Life, My Quit" can help.
Your Oral Health Matters
Vaping may seem like a safer option than smoking, but it can still seriously affect your oral health. If you’re concerned about damage from vaping, schedule an appointment with Greenspoint Dental to discuss your options and protect your smile.