06 Dec Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth? Find Out Now 

It’s an unfortunate fact that almost 6% of American students vape. Vaping has been touted as a “much safer” alternative to regular cigarettes. Despite this, there is significant cause for concern, especially when considering one’s oral health. 

Are you asking yourself, “Is vaping bad for your teeth?” Read on to learn how vaping impacts one’s oral health, focusing on its connection to gum disease, tooth decay, and more. We’ll also discuss preventative measures to protect your smile from vape-related damage. 

Taking Stock of Vaping and Its Ingredients 

Vaping devices, or e-cigarettes, heat a liquid that often has nicotine, flavorings, and other kinds of chemicals. The heating produces an aerosol that users then inhale. 

Unlike traditional cigarettes, vaping doesn’t involve combustion. As such, it eliminates many harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Still, this does not mean vaping is harmless, especially regarding oral health. 

Common ingredients in vape juice include: 

• Nicotine 

• Propylene glycol 

• Vegetable glycerin 

• Flavorings 

Nicotine is both addictive and vasoconstrictive, which means it reduces blood flow to your gums. 

Propylene glycol dehydrates the mouth and breaks down into acids. Vegetable glycerin is sticky and can even contribute to plaque buildup. Some flavorings are acidic and can erode your enamel. 

Effects of Vaping on Teeth and Gums 

Oral health and vaping are never a good combination. Are you wondering what else you should be wary of? 

Dry Mouth 

Propylene glycol, a primary component in many e-liquids, is known for its dehydrating effects. Vaping reduces saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and protecting enamel. 

With a lack of necessary saliva, one’s risk of tooth decay rises by quite a bit. The same can be said of bad breath and even oral infections. 

Tooth Decay 

The combination of reduced saliva and sugary or acidic vape flavorings can be a recipe for tooth decay. Sticky vegetable glycerin contributes to plaque formation, which harbors bacteria that produce acids attacking the enamel. Over time, the acid and lack of solid enamel can lead to cavities. 

Vaping and Gum Disease 

Nicotine, even in vaporized form, is harmful to the gums. It restricts blood flow, depriving gum tissue of oxygen and nutrients. It not only slows the healing process but also masks the typical symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding and inflammation. 

As a result, teens vaping may not realize they have early-stage gum disease. From there, it can progress to more severe periodontal disease if untreated. 

Damage to Oral Tissues 

Vaping exposes the mouth to heat and chemicals that can irritate oral tissues. It’s possible that repeated exposure can lead to inflammation. It can even harm the cells lining one’s mouth. 

In some cases, this may increase the risk of developing precancerous lesions. 

Teens Vaping Dental Effects and Risks 

The popularity of vaping among teens poses specific challenges. Adolescence is a crucial period for dental development. As such, the negative effects of vaping can impact oral health in more profound ways. 

Delayed Dental Growth

Nicotine exposure during dental development can affect the formation of teeth and bones. As such, it can have long-term and possibly irreversible effects. 

Increased Orthodontic Complications

Are you a teen with braces? If so, you should know that vaping could worsen gum inflammation and complicate treatment. 

Long-term Habit Formation

Early exposure to nicotine often leads to lifelong addiction. As you can imagine, this has cumulative oral health consequences. 

Preventing Vape Damage to Teeth and Gums 

The best way to protect oral health from the effects of vaping is to avoid it altogether. Still, there are steps people can take to minimize damage: 

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene 

Be sure to brush twice a day. Remember to use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and fight cavities. 

You should also floss every day. Doing this helps you remove both plaque and pesky food particles from between your teeth. It can even get rid of things from under your gumline. 

Yet another handy tool is mouthwash. It’s best to choose an alcohol-free rinse to avoid further drying out the mouth. 

Keep Hydrated 

Drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth and help wash away bacteria and acids. Sugar-free gum or lozenges can also stimulate saliva production. 

Consistent Dental Check-Ups 

Planning out visits to our trusted dentists can help bring to light early signs of vaping-related damage. Best of all, pro cleanings and examinations are the cornerstone of oral health upkeep. 

It’s Time to Kick the Habit of Vaping and Elevate Your Oral Health 

Has anyone ever asked you, “Is vaping bad for your teeth?” Being able to explain how vaping is a habit worth dropping can be beneficial for everyone.  

The best way to guarantee a healthy smile is by visiting McIlwain Dental Specialists. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and other organizations certify our team of doctors. You can depend on us for high-quality pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and more. 

Be sure to stop by one of our two convenient locations or call us to schedule an appointment today!