Vaping has been marketed as a “safer” alternative to traditional tobacco use, but it’s not much better for your oral health than a standard cigarette. Kicking the habit will help to keep your smile white and protect it from issues like oral cancer and gum disease. Here’s a closer look at why vaping can be so detrimental to your oral health, and how to make healthier choices in the future.
Does Vaping Hurt Your Teeth
Although vaping doesn’t produce tobacco smoke, it’s still harmful to your health. Contrary to popular belief, the device doesn’t just lead to the production of water vapor, you’re actually exhaling an aerosol that contains fine particles. These particles are harmful to your health because they contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to all sorts of medical issues, like cancer, heart disease and respiratory issues.
But vaping doesn’t just affect your overall health, it also negatively impacts your dental health. The nicotine delivered to your system through these electronic cigarettes:
- Restricts the amount of blood that can flow through your veins, depriving your mouth and gums of essential nutrients and oxygen.
- Inhibits saliva production, which can contribute to dry mouth and tooth decay.
- Can make other mouth conditions worse, like teeth grinding (bruxism). Left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn enamel, cracked teeth or jaw issues.
- Increases your risk of developing gum disease or gum line recession.
- Can lead to halitosis or bad breath.
At the end of the day, it’s just not worth it to smoke cigarettes or their “safer” alternative e-cigarettes. You’re still delivering unhealthy amounts of nicotine to your body, and you’re damaging the health of your teeth and your whole body. Your dentist is going to notice the signs, so don’t try to lie about it at your next visit. We’re not going to condemn you for smoking, but if you’re interested in quitting, we’d be happy to connect you with some resources to make it easier.
As we talked about in another post on smoking and your dental health, it’s never too late to kick the habit and work towards a healthier smile. The effects of cigarette and electronic cigarette use begin to reverse as soon as you stop smoking, and coupled with a coordinated dental hygiene plan with a dental professional, you can begin to turn back the clock on your dental health. For more information, or for resources to help quit tobacco and nicotine, reach out to Dr. Brooks’ office today.