In an era where smoking cigarettes is increasingly shunned, vaping has emerged as the ‘cooler’, supposedly safer alternative. Marketed as a trendy escape from traditional tobacco, e-cigarettes have become a familiar sight.
But while they may be free from the smoky haze of their predecessors, vaping raises new concerns, especially regarding its effects on our oral health.
At Aesthetique Dental, we believe in staying ahead of the curve in dental health and shedding light on these lesser-known impacts. Let’s take a look at some of the facts surrounding vaping and your oral health.
Contrary to the infamous tooth discolouration caused by traditional cigarettes, vaping does not involve tar – the main culprit behind those dreaded yellow and brown stains. However, the story doesn’t end there.
Vaping liquids, especially those with artificial flavourings and sticky aerosols, can trap stains on your enamel. Additionally, while nicotine is colourless, it turns yellow when exposed to oxygen, suggesting that long-term vaping could, in theory, lead to discolouration.
Vaping doesn’t just potentially affect the colour of your teeth; it also poses risks to your overall oral health.
Ingredients like vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol create a sticky environment conducive to bacteria growth, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and even gum recession. Furthermore, nicotine’s ability to inhibit blood flow to the gums can impair healing and the success of periodontal treatments and dental implants.
A lesser-known side effect of vaping is its contribution to dry mouth. This condition disrupts your mouth’s natural defences against bacteria, increasing the risk of oral sores, tooth decay, and bad breath. Consistent hydration is key to combating these effects.
Vaping isn’t just a concern for your teeth’s surface; it also impacts your jaw. The stimulating effects of vaping can lead to bruxism – a condition where you grind or clench your teeth. This not only causes discomfort but can also lead to long-term dental issues, such as wearing down the enamel or even fracturing your teeth.
One of the most significant concerns with vaping, similar to smoking, is the increased risk of gum disease. Gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss, is linked to heart disease and can be exacerbated by vaping due to nicotine’s effect on blood flow and saliva production.
Though not all vape liquids contain sugar, those that do can significantly increase the risk of cavities. The constant presence of sugar-rich vapour in the mouth provides bacteria with the means to produce harmful acids, attacking your tooth enamel.
While the full spectrum of vaping’s effects on oral health is still unfolding, the insights we currently have paint a picture that cannot be ignored. At Aesthetique Dental, we are committed to helping you navigate these new challenges.
Whether you’re a vaper, a smoker, or someone concerned about oral health, we invite you to join us in our journey towards healthier smiles. Our doors are always open for consultations, advice, and comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs.
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Dental Design | Site last updated: April 2024 