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Vaping Effects on Oral Hygiene

Vaping has become more than just a trend lately. It is now part of the mainstream. It is often looked at as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. Vapes and e-cigs have become more popular than ever. But, so far only limited research gives us a minimal understanding. Additionally, the long-term effects of vaping liquids are not yet understood. What happens to your teeth when you vape is still being explored by dental health researchers.
There are some things that are known though. It is definitely a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. Is vaping bad for your teeth? Yes, but maybe not as bad as you think. Even though vaping is known to be a safer option for smoking, it can still have a negative impact on your body, although, not as severe as traditional smoking. However, there is still much research to be done. How does vaping affect your teeth? The effects of vaping on your teeth and gums can vary depending on the ingredients and type of vape used.
According to studies, what happens to your teeth when you vape largely is determined on the ingredients contained in the vape juice.

Bacteria

One negative effect of vaping is it leads to having a higher amount of bacteria in the mouth. A study conducted on the vaping effects on teeth observed that individuals who vaped had higher levels of bacteria in the small crevices located in the mouth compared to those that didn’t.
The excess bacteria is poor for a person’s long-term health. It can lead to further physical ailments like:
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay

Dry Mouth

There are some ingredients contained in vape juice that may cause dry mouth. If someone suffers from chronic dry mouth, it can lead to tooth decay, poor breath, and sores. One of the thinning agents used in vape juice, Propylene glycol, has been found to negatively affect a person’s mouth hygiene and cause dry mouth.

Gums

A study conducted three years ago found that vaping may cause inflammation in an individual’s gums. Gum inflammation carries the potential of leading to further mouth diseases.
Mouth gums may feel more tender than usual. Some research has found that vaping can also lead to gum redness.

Cell Death

Cell death is one of the more serious risks associated with vaping. Aside from it, vaping may also lead to DNA damage. Research shows that it may cause cells to lose their ability to replicate. Additionally, it may speed up the cell aging process. Increased oral cell death can lead to:
• Periodontal diseases
• Bad breath
• Increased tooth decay
• Weaker bone density

Vaping versus Cigarettes

Vaping does not produce the secondhand smoke that tobacco does. On the other hand, it still does not provide any positive effects on an individual’s dental hygiene.
Vaping, while a healthier alternative, still brings nicotine into a person’s body. Nicotine can also reduce blood flow and nutrients from reaching the mouth.
Reduced blood circulation affects the immune system. It reduces the body’s ability to reduce bacteria.

Nicotine

Nicotine can add to the side effects listed above. The effects of nicotine on an individual’s oral hygiene vaping are not as well understood as the effects it has when inhaled from a cigarette. More research is needed to find out how the effects of vaping nicotine differ from inhaling it.
However, the following side effects may occur when vaping juice containing nicotine. This may lead to:
• Inflamed gums
• Excess plaque
• Chronic dry mouth
• Periodontitis
• Gingivitis
• Receding Gums
• Teeth discoloration
• Bruxism

Juice Flavor

Most juice-flavoring agents can lead to cell death. Among these, menthol was found to cause the most damage.
A study conducted last year found that e-cig aerosols mimic the same effects as candy and drinks with high sugars on oral hygiene. Flavored vape juice may lead to cavities.

Juuling

Juuling is a specific vape company that is popular in the United States. Juuls generally contain nicotine in their vaping liquid. The same side effects listed in this article may also take place when juuling.

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When to Visit a Healthcare Provider

When encountering certain symptoms, it is suggested that one should see a dentist. These symptoms include:
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Sore and ulcers
• Tooth decay and pain
• Gum inflammation
• Receding Gums
• Chronic dry mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
If a patient is suffering from these symptoms, as well as having fever, they should look for emergency medical attention. Additionally, it’s a must to seek for medical attention if they are suffering from general inflammation in their face or neck.

Ingredients to Avoid

The known toxic ingredients contained in vape juice are nicotine, propylene glycol, and menthol. Flavored juices can also lead to some of the side effects listed above. By limiting or avoiding these ingredients altogether, vapers can reduce the risk of damaging their oral hygiene.

Minimizing the Negative Effects of Vaping

It’s important to understand the negative effects that vaping has on oral hygiene. If a person vapes, they should consider the following to minimize the risk of the negative symptoms listed in this article.

1. Limit or avoid nicotine. Some juices are manufactured specifically to contain minimal amounts of nicotine. Nicotine is generally known to be the most significant cause of poor oral hygiene among vapers.
   Floss daily. More importantly, flossing before bedtime can reduce plaque while increasing gum vitality.
   3. Regular dental visits. People that vape should take special care of their teeth. They should regularly visit their doctors at least two to three times a year to ensure there are no serious side effects. A regularly scheduled dental visit should include a cleaning. This can help with early detection.
   4. Brush. Cliché as it seems, but brushing teeth is one way to minimize the potential side effects of vaping. It can help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.
   5. Constantly hydrate. Drinking water after vaping can help prevent chronic dry mouth. It also helps with bad breath.

Vaping can carry adverse side effects on oral hygiene. Nicotine is thought to intensify these effects, however, it is not known to what degree.
Hopefully, we’ve helped those who had the question, “how does vaping affect your teeth?”
It is generally agreed that vape juice without nicotine is a safer alternative for oral health. Since it is an emerging industry, it can be difficult to accurately determine the ingredients contained in vape juice. Is vaping bad for your teeth? Well, yes, but not as bad as smoking cigarettes. Just be aware of the potential side effects. Vape juice companies commonly will not list the ingredients contained in their juice. If you experience some of the side effects above, you may contact us here.

Effects of Vaping on teeth

Kyle Childers

I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Illinois University and then received my Doctorate of Medical Dentistry at the University of Kentucky. After, I attended the University of Tennessee to complete my Master of Science in Orthodontics degree.

I consider every minute of continuing education to be vital for my patients and myself. Staying current with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies within my field allows me to improve treatment efficiency and provide higher quality results for each person I treat.

https://childersbraces.com