Vaping and your oral and overall health all take a hit from this alternative to quitting smoking and switching to vaping. Vaping still has big side effects to your body, just as smoking does.
The question that people are asking is “Does vaping destroy teeth?” Smoking and vaping will decrease blood flow and without enough blood flowing through your veins, your gums don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. In this way, vaping causes the death of gum tissues, which in turn causes gum recession. Severely receding gums lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of cavities and, in some cases, loss of teeth.
Nicotine can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Even without nicotine, other ingredients in vape juice/liquid can cause oral health issues.
Here are a few of the main side effects:
• Excess bacteria – One 2018 study found that teeth that had been exposed to e-cigarette aerosol had more bacteria than those that hadn’t. This difference was greater in the pits and crevices of teeth. Excess bacteria are associated with tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases.
• Dry mouth – Some e-cigarette base liquids, particularly propylene glycol, can cause mouth dryness. Chronic mouth dryness is associated with bad breath, mouth sores, and tooth decay.
• Inflamed gums – One 2016 study suggests e-cig use triggers an inflammatory response in gum tissues. Ongoing gum inflammation is associated with various periodontal diseases.
• Overall irritation – A 2014 review reported that vaping can cause mouth and throat irritation. Gum symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, and redness.
• Cell death – According to a 2018 review, studies of live cells from human gums suggest vaping aerosols can increase inflammation and DNA damage. This can lead cells to lose their power to divide and grow, which can speed up cell aging and result in cell death.
Therefore, these are the types of things that may play a role in oral health issues such as:
• Periodontal diseases
• Bone loss
• Tooth loss
• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Tooth decay
So overall, just like smoking, vaping can cause just as much damage to your oral health. You need to consider those options and realize that vaping is not a permanent solution to quitting smoking.
Linda Schuelke is a Registered Dental Hygienist and she studied at Fox Valley Technical College and has undergone extensive training in various treatments for periodontal disease, including Diode lasers. Being able to help patients with their oral hygiene and working so closely with wonderful people are her favorite parts of this job. Contact the office at www.drtwohig.com, 920-867-3101, 417 Ann St, Weyauwega, WI 54983.
