Vaping is not a safer alternative to cigarettes in the sense that it can have a negative effect on your teeth and your overall oral health. However, it does appear to have fewer risks in oral health than smoking cigarettes. Vape and e-cigarette devices are becoming more popular among young adults, and though most people would agree that these alternatives are much safer, there’s still a lot more to learn about its long-term effects.
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Where Did it Start?
The e-cigarette was invented by a Chinese scientist in 2003 and has become a growing trend worldwide, Vape pens, hookah pens, and e-cigarettes are all types of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Propylene glycol, glycerin, an array of flavors largely make up the ingredients. The electric component of e-cigarettes and vaping devices converts the liquid into an aerosol.
The e-liquid is prepared in a preloaded cartridge for insertion into the device; it may also be mixed specifically at a store or using a DIY kit. The nicotine levels can range from 0–36 mg/ml, depending on the user’s choice, with the vape system allowing the individual to customize the level of inhalation.
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Vaping Effects on Teeth and Gums
If you found yourself Googling ‘vaping teeth gums,’ search results will show you various negative effects on teeth and the overall health of the mouth. Below are some of them.
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Dry Mouth
Research suggests that propylene glycol, a compound used as a base liquid in vapes, can cause dryness of the mouth. When a person often experiences mouth dryness, it can result in tooth decay, mouth sores, and bad breath.
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Excess Bacteria
Vape aerosol, when often in contact with the teeth, can trigger more bacteria to grow. The difference compared to non-vapers was greater in crevices and pits of the teeth. When your mouth has bacteria, you’re prone to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.
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Gum Inflammation
E-cigarettes can also trigger an inflammatory response in gum tissues. When this happens often, you’ll eventually develop periodontal disease.
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Throat Irritation
Studies have shown that vapers are likely to develop throat and mouth irritation than non-vapers. Irritation can manifest on the gums and will appear as redness, swelling, and tenderness.
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Cell Death
E-cig aerosols can cause inflammation and DNA damage on the mouth. This will cause the cells to lose their ability to reproduce and thrive, speeding up cell aging and eventually causing death. This can lead to various oral health problems including:
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Dry mouth
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Periodontal diseases
Researchers are constantly trying to understand how vaping can actually lead to cell death and more long-term research is required. For now, people need to become more aware of the health risks of using these gadgets.
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Nicotine in Vape Juice
Vape juice can have nicotine on them that causes additional side effects. In fact, most studies into the effects of vape focus on the nicotine content found on e-liquids or vape juice. The following side effects may be experienced from excessive vaping with fluid that contains nicotine:
- Gum inflammation
- Plaque accumulation
- Dry mouth
Nicotine in vape liquids may also cause or more of the following side effects:
- Receding gums
- Periodontitis
- Gingivitis
- Teeth grinding
- Vaping teeth stain
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Ingredients to Avoid
What’s in your vape liquid can be difficult to assess. In fact, most people have no idea what’s in them. Manufacturers of these products are required to submit a list of ingredients to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but most of them fail to label their packages or websites with the product ingredients.
What’s clear is that there are three ingredients in e-liquids that are known to have harmful effects to oral health. These are:
- Menthol
- Propylene glycol
- Nicotine
These ingredients may also cause vaping teeth stain. Flavored e-juice is also known to cause more gum inflammation than the non-flavored kind. It will help if you limit taking these ingredients in order to reduce the risk of experiencing these side effects.
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How to Minimize Side Effects
If you have to vape, remember that you should responsible enough to take care of your teeth. Consider the following to help reduce the risk for side effects:
- Rehydrate after you vape. This will help prevent bad breath and dry mouth. Always drink water after you vape.
- Reduce your nicotine intake. Choose juices without nicotine or at least those with very low nicotine content. This can help limit the negative effects of nicotine on your gums and teeth.
- Brush your teeth regularly. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily will help remove plaque, preventing cavities from developing and will improve the health of your gums.
- Develop the habit of flossing. Flossing also helps remove plaque the same way as brushing.
- Visit an orthodontist regularly. Check in at The Schulhof Center every six months for consultation and cleaning. Maintaining a regular cleaning session will help detect underlying conditions early and treat them on time.
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The Importance of Seeing an Orthodontist
It’s a misconception to believe that vapes are healthier than tobacco cigarettes. If you’re a vaper, it’s important to make regular trips to the orthodontist’s office. The orthodontist will check for symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious oral health condition. Check for any of these signs:
- Mouth pain or toothache
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Frequent dry mouth
- Mouth sores or ulcers that take time to heal
- Hypersensitivity
- Swollen or bleeding gums
Dr. Adam Schulhof of The Schulhof Center
Firstly, Dr. Adam Schulhof makes sure that your smiles are perfect by offering affordable care for your teeth in a fun environment. Not only does his office use the latest technology, but also offer the best aesthetic options. Early in his career, Dr. Schulhof developed a fascination with lingual braces. So after graduating from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with flying colors, he sought training from Columbia University. He has set up offices in New Jersey and New York, but his work demands him to travel all around the world as a lecturer and trainer on lingual braces.
Contact the Doctor Today
Dr. Schulhof approaches orthodontics in a way that is rarely done in his field. Whether you need regular oral treatment, sublingual braces, or clean liners like Invisalign, he will provide you with personalized or individualized treatment. The Schulhof Center staff looks into the natural shape of the mouth of each patient and customizes the treatment and wires, resulting in the best results. Dr. Schulhof believes that working closely with patients will provide them with the best treatment plan tailored specifically for their needs. Accordingly, visit The Schulhof Center in New Jersey or New York. They will help you get on the path towards a healthier you.
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400 Kinderkamack Rd.
Oradell, NJ 07649
Phone: 551-231-5323
9 Effects of Vaping on Teeth (MEGA LIST)