Do you think vaping instead of smoking will keep your dental health intact? Though you might consider this harmless, this habit is certainly not helping your teeth and gums. As much as your lungs matter, your teeth are usually the first in line to get affected by the smoke.
Being aware of its adverse effects might help you let go of the habit. Read this blog to learn about the impact of vaping on your dental health.
Does Vape Smile Contain Harmful Chemicals?
Do you keep considering vaping safe just because it does not contain tobacco? Here are some harmful chemicals that the liquid might contain:
- Nicotine
- Propylene glycol
- Vegetable glycerin
- Flavoring agents
- Heavy metals from heat coils
They adhere to your teeth, tongue, and gum tissue, harming them in the long term.
The Silent Effect On Your Gums
Nicotine, even in its vaporized state, narrows blood vessels. Less blood means less oxygen and fewer nutrients are delivered to your gums, making them more susceptible to infection. This can result in:
- Gum recession
- More plaque accumulation
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
You may not even see the damage right away. With time, you might experience pain, bleeding, or advanced gum disease.
You can see a dentist in Auburn, AL, to check the severity of damage this habit might have caused already.
Vaping and Dry Mouth
Saliva cleans your oral bacteria away, neutralizes acid, and strengthens your enamel. Vaping dehydrates your mouth by reducing saliva flow. This can result in
- Faster buildup of plaque and tartar
- Tooth decay
- Long-term bad breath
- Greater risk of cavities
Do you enjoy dessert-flavored vapes? They’re not simply a flavoring. The sweet chemicals replicating those tastes can leave sticky residue on your enamel. This can further worsen your dry mouth condition.
Can Vaping Shift Your Oral Microbiome?
Your mouth consists of a complex ecosystem that relies on digestion and immune response to stay intact. Vaping can disrupt this equilibrium.
In fact, research conducted by dental specialists has found that e-cigarette aerosols can change your microbiome and increase the growth of bad bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major cause of gum disease. This imbalance can compromise your oral defence, risking infections.
Is Vaping Staining Your Teeth?
Do you believe that only cigarettes can stain your teeth? E-ciggrarates, particularly the ones with nicotine, can leave yellow stains on your teeth over time. Nicotine and chemical residue can harm your enamel, making your teeth appear brownish.
Even with everyday brushing, you might not be able to prevent the stains or remove them effectively.
What Can You Do About It?
Here is how you can protect your teeth and gums from the effects of vaping:
- Stay hydrated. Drink more water to fight dry mouth.
- Brush after vaping. Especially if your e-liquid is flavored.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash. It helps maintain your saliva flow.
- Chew sugar-free gum. It stimulates saliva naturally.
- Follow dental visits. Catch problems early before they become dangerous.
So when you feel the urge to vape again, do think about your oral well-being first. A dentist can help you quit this bad habit if you are actually interested in giving up this habit. You must put your oral health first and give up habits like this as early as possible to avoid irreversible damage.
Are you willing to take better care of your mouth? Contact us today to learn more.
