Are you aware of the impact of vaping on oral health? Read more to know how vaping damages dental and your overall health.
The impact of vaping on oral health is severe. It causes many oral diseases and damages your teeth. Let’s explore the impact of vaping on oral health.
Increased Risk of Cavities
Cavities, those little holes in your teeth, are more likely to happen when you don’t take good care of your mouth. When you eat, tiny bits of food stay in your mouth. The bad news is these leftovers can feed harmful bacteria. These bad bacteria make acid, which makes your teeth weaker, leading to cavities.
The impact of vaping on oral health can be harmful to your teeth because some flavored vapes are like sugary drinks, which can be problematic. They make your mouth acidic, which can make cavities more likely.
Higher Risk of Gum Disease
Gum disease is another problem that vaping can bring. It’s like a red flag for your gums. A study found that 72.5% of people who smoked cigarettes had gum disease. And 42.5% of vapers had it, too. Only 28.2% of folks who didn’t smoke or vape had gum issues.
So, while vaping doesn’t raise the risk as high as smoking does, it still makes gum disease more likely.
In 2022, there was another study on the impact of vaping on oral health. It found that the tiny creatures around your gums were similar in vapers and smokers. Plus, vapers had more of two kinds of those creatures than smokers. Also, vapers had more signs of gum problems like inflammation. If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, that’s a sign of gum disease. When you see these signs, it’s time to call your dentist.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a big issue, and it can lead to more cavities because when your mouth is dry, it’s easier for harmful bacteria to stick to your teeth. Some of the stuff in e-cigarettes can make your mouth dry. Besides more cavities, dry mouth can also give you bad breath and sores in your mouth.
Physical Damage
Using e-cigarettes can be a problem for your mouth in a different way, too. The part you put your mouth on can get really hot, and cause burns inside and outside your mouth.
But here’s a severe thing. Sometimes, e-cigarettes can explode when people are using them. These explosions can hurt your mouth really severely. It might mean going to the hospital and even having surgery to fix it. It’s essential to be careful.
Tooth Staining and Discoloration
E-cigarettes with nicotine can make your teeth change color, just like regular smoking does. It’s not a good change. A stain that can make your teeth look not great.
Why Is Oral Health Important?
Taking care of your mouth is a big deal because it’s connected to your overall health. When you let harmful bacteria run wild in your mouth, they can cause problems in other parts of your body. The impact of vaping on oral health can lead to gum issues. It can also make your arteries harden, which is terrible for your heart and can lead to high blood pressure and strokes.
Gum problems can also mess with your blood pressure medicine, making it less effective.
Another thing to think about is how your smile looks. Vaping can stain your teeth, and even if you get them whitened, the stains come back if you keep vaping. Plus, gum problems can make your gums go back, making your smile look not so great. Cavities from vaping need fixing, too, and that can also change how your smile looks. So, taking care of your mouth is a win for your whole body and your smile!
How to Lessen the Impact of Vaping on Oral Health?
If quitting vaping is tough, you can still take steps to protect your oral health. Here are a few steps to reduce the impact of vaping on oral health:
Create a Solid Oral Care Routine:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes two times a day.
- Always use toothpaste with fluoride when you brush.
- Try an electric toothbrush with a timer to ensure you brush long enough. They also make it easier to clean all your teeth thoroughly.
Regular Dental Check-Ups:
- Visit your dentist regularly, and tell them you’re a vaper. They may recommend more frequent cleanings and exams based on your oral health.
Combat Gum Disease:
- If you notice signs of gum disease, like redness and bleeding, you might need a deep cleaning called “scaling and root planing” to remove bacteria around your gums and stop inflammation.
Protect Your Teeth from Cavities:
- Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments or other ways to shield your teeth from cavities.
- If you get cavities, have them filled right away to prevent more severe problems.
Reduce Vaping:
- While these steps can help, the best thing for your oral health is to try your best to quit or cut down on vaping as much as possible.
Conclusion
The impact of vaping on oral health can cause severe oral diseases. Quit vaping and e-cigarettes to improve your dental health.
Learn more about the impact of cigarettes on oral health.
