The Impact Of Vaping On Your Oral Health

Vaping is synonymous with e-cigarettes; they are battery-operated devices that heat liquid chemicals that are then inhaled by the user. Often, they have added flavourings and additives that have not been deemed safe for recreational consumption by regulatory health authorities. This means that sometimes, individuals who vape may not know exactly all the contents of the vaping juice they are using. This unknown factor can be very dangerous.

Vaping is also becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. The oral health risk remains the same for both teenagers and adults. The use of vapes has been considered a public health concern, with teenagers as young as 14 years old hopping on to the trend, unaware of the impact using vapes can have on oral health.

With being exposed so young, oral health is compromised at an unusually early age and creating awareness regarding the potential negative oral health outcomes has become pertinent. Although it is often curiosity that brings the youth to vaping, it can easily be ascertained that sound research, early intervention and educating individuals can help address this public health concern.

Currently, a steep incline in the use of vapes has been seen. According to the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation, teenagers 14 years and older who reported vaping in the past year increased from 2.5% in 2019 to 7% in the years 2022 to 2023. This is almost three times more than the year before. The more the use, the higher the risks

The impact of vaping on teeth and gums can have a lasting effect on damage and dental conditions that could be permanent and irreversible if not resolved early. With the risk now starting as young as early teens, discussing vaping and oral health is dire in schools, homes and dental visits.

How Vaping Can Affect Your Oral Health

Apart from the health risks and symptoms that arise from using vapes, the oral environment is readily subjected to the harm of vaping due to the method in which vapes are used. Conditions that can arise due to vaping include:

Dental decay

The heat involved in vaping can prime the conditions for bacteria to exist in excess, which can increase the incidence of dental decay.

Erosion

The constituents of some vape juices with propylene glycol are broken down to turn acidic. This acid softens the outer surface of teeth, weakening tooth structure and leading to loss of tooth structure, making it vulnerable.

Dry mouth

The aerosols in vapes and the increase in excess bacteria can cause dryness in the mouth. Dry mouth is attributed to a higher risk of:

• Dental decay as saliva is needed to buffer and protect the teeth.
• Gum conditions and gum inflammation.
• Ulcers or sores in the gum are more prone to occur due to the lack of lubrication by saliva. This can happen from hard and rough foods and trauma from toothbrushes. Ulcers or sores can be painful and make it difficult to eat, drink, and talk.

Gum inflammation

Vaping exposes gums to aerosols that can trigger an inflammatory gum reaction. If the cause is not removed, this can progress to gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between a higher risk of gum inflammation and certain vape flavourings.

Bad breath

Because vaping reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, this can lead to bad breath. Bad breath can also be a sign of both gum disease and dental decay.

Discolouration of teeth

Nicotine in vaping liquids can cause teeth discolouration as it adheres to the outer surface of teeth. This causes a rough textured surface, making it easier for plaque build-up to occur, creating yellow and brown stains.

Loss of taste

Also known as ‘vape tongue,’ it is a temporary condition caused by heat and bacteria changes in the mouth as well as a decrease in saliva production.

Fungal infection

A combination of dry mouth, irritants, and mouth sores can cause a fungal infection. This is caused by the fungi species Candida.

Teeth Grinding

Since nicotine is a stimulant, it can trigger teeth grinding in some people. The act of repetitive teeth grinding can lead to the shortening of teeth or cracked teeth and can affect jaw muscles and joints.

Oral Cancer

Vaping can cause an imbalance in the number of good bacteria versus bad bacteria in the mouth, which has been linked to oral cancer.

Apart from the oral health problems listed above that are associated with vaping, individuals may also experience irritation in the mouth and airways, burns and injuries from battery explosions, and it can also affect the healing process of oral surgery procedures.

Is Vaping Better For Your Mouth Than Smoking

The short answer is, debatably, no. Although research and studies are still ongoing, the general consensus is that both are harmful to oral health in their own ways. The science behind nicotine and its effects on oral health are still harmful, and with the ideology of ‘prevention being better than cure,’ it is recommended that individuals pose the least risk to their oral health by abstaining from using vapes and cigarettes alike.

The ingredients in vape juices that we know cause harm to oral health include nicotine, propylene glycol and menthol.

How To Minimise The Effects of Vaping on Oral Health

Quitting vaping is the best way to protect your oral health from adverse effects. However, there are ways to combat the effects of vaping on oral health by adopting a few habits that include:

• Choosing vape ‘juices’ that are nicotine-free or with low nicotine levels
• Limiting the amount of vaping 
• Drinking water after vaping for both dry mouth and to protect teeth
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing with a toothpaste containing fluoride twice daily. Flossing your teeth once daily before brushing your teeth at night is also recommended.
• To alleviate dry mouth symptoms, sugar-free lozenges or sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva. Eating coarse foods such as carrots can also help. For temporary symptomatic relief, artificial saliva or a bicarbonate mouthwash can also be used. 
• Drinking water regularly and staying hydrated.
• Staying vigilant of the conditions above and, if noticed, visit a dental health professional
• Being regular with dental check-ups, scheduling them at least every 6 months and earlier if recommended by your dental health professional.

Book A Check-up And Clean At Admire Dentistry

There is no such thing as being too late to start taking your oral health seriously. If you have been delaying seeing a dental health professional, take the steps now to secure your long-term oral health. Some of these conditions can exist without obvious symptoms and can creep on slowly. It is prudent to create awareness around the use of vapes and why they should be avoided. It is also important to discourage youth from adopting the habit by bringing awareness to the myriad of oral health concerns revolving around vaping.

Even if you haven’t considered limiting or quitting vaping, it is worth it to schedule an appointment for a check and clean with us here at Admire Dentistry so we can guide you on where to go from here.