Vaping has increased in popularity in recent years as a 'safer' alternative to smoking. However, there are many hidden dangers when people vape, particularly when it comes to oral health.
In this blog, we will outline some of those risks so people can better understand the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the inhalation of vapour via an electronic device that may (or may not) contain small amounts of nicotine.
People tend to vape as part of the quitting smoking process or as a stress reliever. Some people (particularly the younger generation) also vape to boost their social image.
Either way, inhaling aerosolised liquids that contain flavourings and other chemicals can irritate the nose and throat and trigger a whole host of oral health problems.
Vaping can cause gum disease
One of the most concerning risks of vaping is the potential for gum disease. Nicotine contained within e-cigarettes constricts blood vessels which, in turn, reduces blood flow to the gums. This process can trigger inflammation, and if chemicals found in vape smoke get into the gums, it can also cause infection.
The controlled heat from an e-cigarette or vape device can also cause irritation and gum damage, thus increasing the risk of periodontal (gum disease).
Vaping causes dry mouth
A healthy mouth produces anywhere between 0.5 and 1.5 litres per day. Saliva helps to neutralise acids, wash away food particles and remove harmful bacteria.
Saliva is an extra layer of protection in the fight against failing oral health.
Every time we vape, it triggers a decrease in salivary output, causing a condition known as xerostomia (dry mouth).
Without sufficient saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases dramatically.
Vaping and tooth decay
While you might associate sugary drinks and sweets with tooth decay, vaping also causes problems for teeth. According to a 2018 study, vaping triggers a four-fold increase in microbial adhesion to tooth enamel and a 27% decrease in enamel hardness.
In addition, since many flavourings are sweet, the aerosols produced are thought to have comparable chemical and physical properties to high-sugar sweets and fizzy drinks.
Vaping could increase the risk of oral cancer
Perhaps the most alarming fact about vaping is that it could be a potential risk factor in the development of oral cancer. Although there is no clear evidence to support the fact that it causes oral cancer, there is evidence to support that vaping could increase the risk.
Chemicals contained within e-cigarettes, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, are well-known DNA disruptors that can lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Because vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, it’s important to note that any long-term effects on overall or oral health remain unknown. However, the potential risks outlined above are sufficient for long-term vaping to be concerning.
How to protect your oral health
While it seems that vaping does pose fewer oral health risks than traditional smoking, it’s still important to be aware of the hidden dangers and take steps to protect your oral health.
Here are some top tips to help you do exactly that:
Practice good oral hygiene with regular and thorough brushing and flossing
Visit your dentist regularly for dental health reviews and hygiene visits
Cut down on your vaping, or opt for a lower-nicotine or zero-nicotine liquid
Drink water after you vape to prevent dry mouth.
In conclusion
Vaping may be deemed a safer option than smoking, which is why the government is using vaping to entice people off cigarettes. However, the potential risks to oral health remain clear and should not be ignored.
Call us on 01530 510533 to book in for your oral health review with one of our dentists.
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