It is common knowledge that smoking tobacco is bad for our teeth and mouths. Smoking drastically increases your risk for several things, including oral cancer and gum disease. However, it is important to know these side effects do not go away with e-cigarettes. Read on to learn more about why vaping is bad for your teeth from Dr. Glenn Sosebee and Dr. T. Todd Britt at Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics.
Research shows that vaping is bad for your teeth just like smoking traditional cigarettes, even with no tobacco in e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes use an aerosol, or vapor, to deliver nicotine into the lungs. This vapor not only contains nicotine, which is bad for the teeth and body by itself, but also ultra-fine particles of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Many of these chemicals are linked to cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease.
Vaping also affects your teeth in several negative ways:
- Receding Gums – Nicotine reduces blood flow. This affects your teeth and gums because when you don’t have enough blood flowing through your veins, your gums don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.
- Dry Mouth, Bacteria, & Tooth Decay – Nicotine reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth. A lack of saliva leads to dry mouth, plaque buildup, increased bacteria, and ultimately tooth decay.
- Gum Disease – Vaping can also increase your risk of gum disease. The nicotine from vaping causes gum inflammation and swelling. The combination of swollen gums and dry mouth with increased bacteria is a recipe for gum disease.
In the end, vaping is no better for your teeth than smoking. Both put your teeth and oral health at serious risk. If you have any questions about smoking and/or vaping in relation to your teeth, please contact our office.