In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of individuals vaping, with 8.6% of 11- to 18-year-olds and 7% of adults in England. While many people may be aware of the negative effects vaping may have on a person’s health, the consequences for dental health are often overlooked. Furthermore, in this blog, we will explore the topic of “Is vaping bad for your teeth?” the impact it has on your oral health, how to protect your dental health, and vaping alternatives.
Vaping’s Impact on Your Oral Health:
As harmful chemicals are ingested every time you inhale the vapour, a range of dental and health issues can occur:
- Mouth-Bacteria: Tooth decay, gum disease, and gum recession are all dental issues that can occur from vaping.
- Dry Mouth: Vaping reduces saliva production, which is essential for neutralising acids, cleaning the mouth, and preventing tooth decay. A dry mouth can also result in cavities and gum disease.
- Nicotine and Gum Health: Nicotine inhibition can inhibit the flow of blood to the gums, leading to poor gum healing, dental implants, and failure of gum treatment.
- Tooth Sensitivity: High acid contents in vape liquids erode tooth enamel, resulting in sensitive teeth and a greater likelihood of cavities.
- Stained Teeth: Although tar isn’t an ingredient in vapes, artificial flavourings, sticky aerosols, nicotine, and other chemicals can stain teeth.
- Teeth Grinding: Vaping can stimulate muscular activity, which can cause teeth grinding.
- Oral Lesions: In rare cases, vaping has been associated with the development of conditions such as leukoplakia, stomatitis, discolouration of the tongue, and sores in the corners of the mouth.
Protecting Your Oral Health When Vaping:
If you insist on continuing to vape, aim to follow the guidance below to help look after your oral health:
- Stay Hydrated: To combat dry mouth, ensure you are staying well-hydrated to maintain saliva production.
- Oral Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help remove plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Seeing your dentist regularly allows them to monitor your dental health and address any issues early on.
- Choose Nicotine-Free Options:If you want to continue vaping, consider nicotine-free e-liquids to reduce the harm to your dental health.
- Limit Acidic Flavours:Avoid e-liquids with high acidity to lower the impact of tooth enamel erosion and sensitivity.
Alternatives to Vaping:
One of the best solutions to aiding your oral and general health is finding other alternatives, including quitting. Some alternatives include:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Products like nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, and nasal sprays assist you in gradually reducing your nicotine intake.
- Quit Vaping: Whether you’re slowly reducing the amount of nicotine or stopping abruptly, stopping vaping can stop the impact of nicotine on your oral health.
- Mobile Apps and Online Resources: There are a variety of online resources to assist your journey to stop vaping.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Mindfulness techniques, meditation, and other methods may help with the stress and anxiety that often come with trying to quit.
- Stay Active: Being physically active can help reduce nicotine cravings and may help manage stress.
- Natural Remedies: Some individuals have found success with natural remedies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, or herbal supplements.
- Medications: Certain prescribed medications, like Varenicline or Bupropion, are effective in helping individuals quit.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to stop vaping on your own accord, don’t hesitate to contact a specialist. They can offer a variety of services, from therapy to behavioural support.
Moreover, while vaping is an alternative option to smoking, it still has a major negative effect on your dental health. Additionally, it’s vital to understand the consequences of vaping to protect your dental health if you decide to continue vaping. The best solution is to quit if possible, eliminating the effects it can have. Consequently, if you or someone you know is looking to book a dental check-up, contact us today to book an appointment with our professional and welcoming team!