Effects of Vaping on your Teeth
We’ve all heard about the rise of vaping in the community, particularly amongst youth and young adults. While it may seem like an alternative to cigarettes, it is still a form of inhaling nicotine vapour and other harmful chemicals. There are significant threats to public health from the rise in popularity in vaping. According to Lung Foundation Australia, ~15% of youth aged 14-17 years and 20% of young adults aged 18-24 years are currently vaping. While there is more research to be done on the effects of vaping on lung health, we can see similarities between vaping and cigarette smoking on the effect on your teeth.
If you are recreationally vaping, please make sure that you keep up with your dental hygiene and regular checkups – the team at Limitless Dental can recognise symptoms and help you reduce the harmful effects.
What can vaping do to my teeth?
Vaping, like smoking, is generally bad for your teeth. The liquid used within vapes are usually sweet in flavour and contain food additives such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, in addition to a cocktail of other chemicals. This concoction of ingredients tends to create a dry, sticky and acidic environment in the mouth. These types of unhygienic environments cause the mouth to become dry, and enamel on teeth to erode, leading to a higher risk of cavity and gum disease progression.
What are some common symptoms?
Common symptoms of vaping affecting your oral hygiene include:
- Stains and discolored teeth
- Dry mouth
- Mouth ulcers
- Feeling of ‘loose teeth’
- Small holes in the teeth
- Teeth sensitivity
- Inflamed gums
- Receding gums
What should I do if I start experiencing these symptoms?
Once you start experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to either decrease or stop vaping altogether. We recommend having a good oral hygiene routine in place e.g. brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly and keeping hydrated throughout the day. If symptoms persist, book in to see a dentist to assess your symptoms sooner rather than later.
What can a dentist do to help?
A dentist can help monitor the symptoms you have been having, as well as also looking out for signs of oral cancer, which is a significant risk from smoking/vaping. Some signs of oral cancer can be white or red patches on the tongue, gums, and mouth, loose teeth, sore or swelling lips. If you see any of these symptoms please see your local GP or give the Limitless Dental team a call on 9569 8091.
