Vaping: does it affect my teeth?

Vaping first hit the market in the 2000s, and has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, and as a popular option for teens. Regulation varies widely, with the US FDA taking control in 2016 to try to address the appeal of vape products to youth through flavors. Estimates of vape use in the US falls in the range of 6-11% for adults, up to 14% for teens while around 12% of US adults smoke cigarettes. Since 2020, ER visits have sharply risen for those who vape while ER visits for those who smoke have declined. This information emphasizes that vaping is quickly overtaking smoking in modern society. Vape has been proposed to be a healthier alternative to smoking, however, the relatively new nature of vape means that long terms health problems may not have been exposed yet.

Vape products come in many varieties, but the concept is similar: there is a liquid that is heated by a coil through the use of a battery. The heated liquid is then vaporized and inhaled. Vape products contain chemicals like propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, nicotine, and other things like water, alcohol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and heavy metals. The nicotine levels a person experiences in a vape session can range from 1 mg up to 30 mg, which can be equal to smoking an entire pack of cigarettes in one session. Well known complications from vaping include exposure to chemicals, nicotine addiction, mental health problems, allergies, wakened immune response, chronic cough, bronchitis, popcorn lung, lung injury, heart health issues, and oral health problems.

Vaping, like traditional smoking, can have significant effects on oral health. While it's often perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking, vaping is not without risks to the mouth, teeth, and gums. Here’s how vaping can impact oral health:

1. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Cause: Many e-liquids contain propylene glycol, a substance that can absorb moisture from the mouth.

Effect: Chronic dry mouth can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

2. Gum Inflammation and Disease

Cause: Some studies suggest that vaping can cause inflammation of the gums, which is a precursor to gum disease.

Effect: Long-term gum inflammation can lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss.

3. Increased Risk of Cavities

Cause: Vaping liquids often contain sweeteners, which, when combined with dry mouth, can create an environment where bacteria thrive.

Effect: The increased bacterial activity can lead to higher rates of tooth decay and cavities.

4. Cellular Damage

Cause: Research indicates that the chemicals in vaping aerosols can cause damage to cells in the mouth, including cells that are critical for maintaining healthy gums and other oral tissues.

Effect: This cellular damage can accelerate the breakdown of oral tissues, leading to more significant oral health issues over time.

5. Oral Cancer Risk

Cause: While vaping is generally considered to be less carcinogenic than smoking, it still involves the inhalation of potentially harmful chemicals, some of which may be linked to an increased risk of oral cancers.

Effect: Prolonged exposure to these chemicals could potentially contribute to the development of oral cancer.

6. Nicotine Effects

Cause: Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which reduces blood flow to the gums and can exacerbate gum disease.

Effect: Nicotine can also cause tooth staining and contribute to the development of bruxism (teeth grinding), which can further damage teeth and gums.

7. Impact on Dental Procedures

Cause: The inflammation and other effects caused by vaping can complicate dental procedures, particularly those related to oral surgery or gum treatments.

Effect: Recovery from dental procedures may be slower, and the risk of complications may be higher.

It is clear that vaping is on the rise in the US, and knowing the types of damage vaping can cause to the body may help some people avoid long term health issues. The oral health issues associated with vaping are extensive. The chemicals involved in vaping can lead to dry mouth, gum disease, tooth decay, and even cellular damage that might contribute to oral cancer. It's important for individuals who vape to maintain excellent oral hygiene, regularly visit their dentist, and be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping.

·  PLOS ONE (2019) - Impact of Vaping on Oral Health.

·  Clinical Oral Investigations (2020) - Inflammatory Responses in the Oral Cavity Due to E-Cigarettes.

·  Journal of the American Dental Association (2018) - Cariogenic Potential of E-Cigarettes.

·  Toxicology (2020) - Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage from Vaping Aerosols.

·  Oral Oncology (2019) - Potential Carcinogenic Effects of E-Cigarettes.

·  Nicotine & Tobacco Research (2018) - Nicotine and Its Impact on Oral Health.

·  Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2020) - Effects of Vaping on Dental Procedures.