Is vaping bad for your teeth?

In recent years, vaping has surged in popularity, touted as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. Yet, as the vape clouds billow and the trend spreads, concerns about its impact on oral health can't be ignored. While the immediate effects of vaping on the lungs have been explored, from inflammation to the possibility of severe lung infections, the repercussions of vaping on oral health are not talked about enough.

Effects of vaping on your teeth and mouth

Inflammation & irritation

Vaping involves inhaling aerosols produced by heating a liquid solution typically containing nicotine, flavorings, and an abundance of other toxic chemicals. While it may seem harmless, this concoction wreaks havoc on your mouth tissues. Though you may not notice when you take a puff, the smoke that enters your mouth from a vape reaches incredibly high temperatures, which can cause thermal burns to the mouth, leading to tissue damage and inflammation.

Dry mouth

One of the most common oral health issues associated with vaping is intense dry mouth. Vaping disrupts saliva production, leaving the mouth void of the moisture it needs to stay healthy. Saliva is crucial in maintaining good oral health as it rinses away food particles, neutralizes acids and protects against bacterial growth. When saliva production is compromised, the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath skyrockets. A dry environment provides an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Gum disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can be a result of long term vaping. The chemicals in vape juice can irritate the gums. Over time, this irritation can progress to gum disease. Sufferers may notice symptoms including bleeding gums, receding gum lines, tooth movement and even tooth loss. Gum disease not only jeopardizes oral health but also has far-reaching implications for overall well-being, having been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

If you're experiencing persistent bad breath that no brushing, flossing, and mouthwashing can help, your vape could be the culprit. The chemicals in vape juice, coupled with dry mouth and increased bacterial activity, create the perfect storm for foul odors to emanate from the mouth. Additionally, the vape smoke itself may have a pleasant fruity scent, vapes do not do your breath the same favor. Bad breath caused by vaping can be a persistent and embarrassing issue that impacts social interactions and self-confidence.

How to save your mouth from the effects of vaping

If you're looking to minimize the effects and consequences of vaping, the obvious solution would be to cut back or quit altogether. Unfortunately, vaping is incredibly addictive and this may not be a feasible solution for all. Other ways to minimize damage include maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing 2x per day, flossing, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to counteract the vapes drying affects and make regular visits to the dentist.

Do you need help finding a dentist in your area? Sign up for a free profile on snapsmile.ai and we'll help connect you to one of our top rated partner clinics near to you. Plus, get a free pair of Apple AirPods 3rd Gen when you complete your appointment.