Tobacco Troubles: 3 Ways Vaping Hurts Your Oral Health

If you use tobacco, your dentist has probably informed you that smoking cigarettes or chewing smokeless tobacco is bad for your dental health. The nicotine content lowers oxygen content in your blood and reduces its flow. As a result, your body is less able to get necessary nutrients to your teeth and gum and you’re likely to develop issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or even oral cancer.

You might switch to e-cigarettes to reduce the potential damage, but unfortunately, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Keep reading to learn 3 ways that vaping contributes to issues with your teeth!

Issue #1: Gum Disease

Many patients don’t realize that the flavored aerosol in their vape still contains nicotine. That means you’re putting the same harmful content into your body as you do with cigarettes. It restricts blood flow so your mouth doesn’t get what it needs to fight germs, which means you’re more likely to develop gum disease. Unfortunately, e-cigarettes also contain chemicals like propylene glycol and formaldehyde which only heighten the risk.

Issue #2: Cavities

Some studies also tie vaping with an increased risk of cavities. Your e-cigarette can come in a variety of delicious flavors which are unfortunately made with ingredients like sucrose, sucralose, and ethyl maltol. While they may please your tastebuds, sugar is known to attract unwanted bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. The vapor produced when you take a drag is thick and sticks to your teeth and gums, meaning you’re coating them in places that aren’t common locations for cavities, like the bottom of your front teeth.

In one study done, 79% of vaping patients were considered high risk for developing cavities compared to 60% of the control group. While this isn’t entirely conclusive evidence of a direct correlation, it’s important to be aware that you’re hurting your grin in some capacity when you smoke e-cigarettes.

Issue #3: Increased Bacteria

One of the most common side effects of e-cigarettes is dry mouth, which allows disease-causing microbes to thrive. A 2018 scientific study showed that the aerosol from vaping resulted in a four-fold increase in bacterial adhesion to tooth enamel. When you drag on your e-cigarette, you invite additional germs to make their way onto your pearly whites where they then proliferate due to the hospitable environment. The damage caused by vaping is so intense that it be compared to eating gelatinous candies or consuming acidic beverages.

With so many risks to smoking, the best course of action is to quit using tobacco products altogether. That way you can keep your smile in prime condition for years to come!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, you and the entire family can get the care you need all in one location. With multiple specialists on staff, you have access to the highest-quality care no matter your dental needs or goals. From basic checkups and cleanings to more complex cases, our dedicated team is sure to have solutions that can improve your smile. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (214) 234-8444.