Smoking is bad. We all know that. Smoking cigarettes can lead to cancer, stroke, heart disease, lung disease, and a host of dental hygiene risks like bad breath, tooth discoloration, gum disease, oral cancer, and more.
Unfortunately, this has created the mythology of vaping. ‘Vapers’ often ditch the tobacco for the electronic alternative as a better or healthier form of smoking due to the negative factors involved in smoking traditional tobacco products. Sadly, recent studies have shown that vaping is associated with a number of negative risk factors, particularly in teens.
While some of this might not come as a shock, did you know that the degenerative effects of vaping have been linked to another location of the body: The Mouth.
What is Vaping?
Electronic cigarettes are electronic devices that heat liquid and produce an aerosol, or mixture of small particles in the air. While they come in several shapes and sizes, “most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid.”
Some e-cigarettes appear in from like any regular cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Others take the form of a USB flash drive, pen, and other everyday items. Larger devices “such as tank systems, or mods, do not look like other tobacco products.” (CDC)
The usage of e-cigarettes is what is referred to as “vaping.”
Harmful Characteristics of Vaping
According to the CDC, harmful ingredients often found in e-cigarettes include:
- Nicotine
- Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- Flavorings like diacetyl, a chemical linked to a severe lung disease
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
Four Good Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Vape
Oral health is critical to the health of the whole body––some studies have linked gum disease with a higher rate of strokes caused by the hardening of large arteries in the brain and also with severe artery blockages.
Last December, the American Dental Association issued a statement urging a ban on e-cigarettes not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help people quit smoking. Suffice it to say, the mythology of vaping is not as true as it appears.
Here are four reasons we think you should reconsider vaping.
1. Dry Mouth
A common side effect of vaping is dry mouth. Humectants in e-cigarettes, like propylene glycol, cause this mouth-drying effect. Dryness produces bad breath, mouth sores, and in worst cases, tooth decay.
2. Gum Disease
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a dangerous and addictive chemical. The American Heart Association states that nicotine, whether it is vaped or smoked, restricts blood flow to the gums, and therefore, causes an increased risk of gum disease.
3. Tooth Discoloration
If you previously read our blog, Dental Risks Associated with Smoking, you may recall that the tar and nicotine from cigarette smoke can cause tooth discoloration. Even though e-cigarettes do not contain tar, some still contain nicotine, which will stain your teeth.
4. Bacterial Changes
Sugary candies and acidic drinks are often associated with tooth problems, but did you know that vaping can create a similar excess of bacteria in the mouth leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease?
Vape flavorings tend to be sweet, and the aerosols they produce also have comparable physical and chemical properties to high-sucrose, gelatinous candies, and acidic drinks. In fact, a study in 2020 discovered that the oral bacteria of people who vaped looked and behaved similarly to those who smoked cigarettes.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
At Rominger Dental, our primary goal is to make every single patient feel at ease. We know that no one looks forward to going to the dentist, but we go above and beyond to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.
With our capable team of dentists, we know just what to do to prevent, manage, and correct dental pain. Are you in need of care from years of vaping? Call us today at (304)842-2375 or schedule a future appointment at romingerdental.com.