Does vaping ruin your teeth? Experts warn of oral health risks
More than 5.6 million people in Great Britain are thought to be using e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, according to the public health charity Ash as of 2024.
Among vapers, one in ten are also thought to be high schoolers between the ages of 11 and 15, despite it being illegal in the UK for people under the age of 18 to purchase nicotine products.
While vaping is often touted as a replacement for cigarettes and marketed as potentially less harmful to humans than the toxic chemicals inhaled when smoking, vaping isn’t risk free.
The CDC admitted that scientists still have a lot to learn about vaping, but higher nicotine levels and fewer restrictions on where such products can be used may be encouraging more addiction.
Then there are risks like “popcorn lung” and other concerning health issues like impacts to brain development that suggest vaping should be seen as a means to quitting entirely, rather than a long-term solution.
But what about dental impacts, and what vaping does to your teeth? Unsurprisingly, your teeth may also bear the brunt of inhaling nicotine and chemicals through e-cigarettes.
Here’s what the experts have to say.
Just like smoking regular cigarettes, vaping can damage your oral health too. According to Bupa UK, vaping can impact your teeth, gums and overall mouth health in a number of ways.
For instance, vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, which are found in vape liquids, create a sticky substance that can affect the bacteria found in your mouth.
As a result of changes in bacteria or excessive bacterial growth, you may face several dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth.
What’s more, nicotine can also impact blood flow to your gums, which can also lead to negative long-term impacts on your teeth.
But there are also some more severe dental health issues associated with gum disease that health care professionals are concerned about, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
“Periodontitis is a severe infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth mobility and loss,” Dr. Vijay, Dental Implant Expert and Founder of 21D, told The London Standard.
He added: “Emerging research has even revealed a strong link between chronic periodontal disease and an increased risk of dementia; the core issue often lies in the chronic inflammation and bacteria associated with poor periodontal health.”
“What makes vaping particularly concerning is the uncertainty surrounding its long-term oral health effects,” Dr Vijay continued. “The dental community is still in the early stages of understanding how these substances impact oral health over time; as such, the extent of the potential consequences remains unknown, making it difficult for dental professionals to provide comprehensive advice.”
How to maintain oral health
While there’s not necessarily enough research to give practical advice, orthodontists agree that the best way to reduce the oral health impacts of vaping is to stop altogether.
However, that’s not always the easiest option, especially if vapers have become accustomed to high levels of nicotine.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), regular dental check-ups are the most effective way to detect issues early and mitigate long-term risks. While Bupa also said that you could consider switching to nicotine gum, flossing regularly and making sure you drink enough water when you vape.
Dr Vijay also added: “The impact of tooth loss extends far beyond aesthetics; it can lead to difficulties in chewing, speech problems and decreased self-esteem. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental check-ups are essential to mitigate these risks.”
“Prioritising your oral health is vital whether you smoke or vape, but be warned that the long-term implications of vaping on dental health are still being uncovered,” he said.
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