How Does Vaping Affect Oral Health?
Smoking is a harmful habit, which increases the risk of oral cancer and gum disease. Vaping is the solution. Right? Not so. Research shows that vaping is in no way healthier than smoking. Unfortunately, an alarming number of individuals, especially teens, have the perception that vaping is a harmless alternative to smoking, leaving them vulnerable to a host of oral and health problems.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping utilizes a device called an e-cigarette that heats a liquid to release vapor or aerosol the user inhales. The liquid, called e-liquid, is usually made of propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, water, and nicotine, although some users substitute THC for nicotine.
The aerosol e-cigarettes produce is often mistaken for harmless water vapor. Hence the false belief that that vaping isn’t harmful. The aerosol contains not only nicotine but also has ultra-fine particles of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Moreover, e-cigarettes release formaldehyde when heated with batteries set at high voltages.
How Does Vaping Affect Your Oral Health?
Exposure to the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes increases the risk of dry mouth (xerostomia). Consistent dry mouth can cause problems such as burning mouth syndrome and thrush, and can also lead to bacteria building up at the base of the gums, resulting in gum disease, mouth sores, and tooth decay. Moreover, the use of vegetable glycerin and flavorings containing sucrose elevates the risk of cavities.
Another culprit causing many oral health issues is nicotine, which acts as a muscle stimulant, increasing the risk of tooth grinding (bruxism). Habitual grinding or clenching can lead to tooth damage and other oral health complications. Nicotine also stains teeth, alters blood flow to the gums, decreases tissue turnover, and impacts cell function, increasing the severity of gum diseases and leaving the user at risk of tooth loss.
How Does Vaping Affect Your Overall Health?
Vaping is as addictive as cigarettes, if not more. It has been shown to cause chronic lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. It also damages blood cells and negatively impacts the immune system. Nicotine has serious impacts on a teen’s brain development by affecting the part of the brain that controls attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Quality Dental Care in the El Segundo and Carson Areas
We, at Avalon Dental Care, encourage our valued patients to steer away from smoking or vaping. If, however, you’re a smoker or vaper, make sure to schedule your regular dental exams and cleanings. Your trusted team of dental professionals is here to support your oral health every step of the way! Call us and schedule your appointment today!
