Vaping and Oral Helth

THE VAPING MISCONCEPTION

Vaping has become increasingly popular over the last decade.  It is often viewed as a healthy alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, but the truth is vaping can be just as damaging to your teeth, mouth, and body.

SO WHAT IS VAPING?

E-cigarettes or vapes, deliver nicotine to the lungs through an aerosol vapor.  Over the years, many vape companies have marketed this aerosol as harmless water vapor creating the myth that vaping does not harm the teeth and body.  The vapor is actually a cocktail of nicotine, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals all of which have been scientifically linked to cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease.

VAPING AND YOUR TEETH

Following are some of the specific reasons that vaping and e-cigarettes are not good for your gums, teeth, and overall oral health.

Teeth that are exposed to e-cigarette aerosol have more bacteria in the pits and crevices of the teeth than teeth that are not exposed to the vapor.  Having excess bacteria in the mouth leads to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.  It is believed that the reason for the excess bacteria is that the vape heats the ingredient propylene glycol which causes dry mouth.

In addition to creating an environment for bacteria to thrive, vaping has shown to cause an inflammatory response in the gum tissue.  Symptoms of this response include redness, swelling, tenderness, and mouth sores.  Once the vaping begins to irritate the gums, the risk of periodontal disease increases.  If left untreated, it can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth and bone loss.

If you are concerned about the effects that vaping may have on your oral health, call us at (772) 621-2492 to schedule an exam and oral health screening.

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