In recent years vaping has gained immense popularity as a supposedly ‘safer’ option to smoking. In 2021, for example, there were an estimated 55 million e-cigarette users worldwide and by the end of 2023, that figure is set to more than double, pushing sales of vape pens towards $40 billion.
However, as the vape clouds clear, a hidden threat looms on the horizon – the link between vaping and poor oral health.
While vaping may seem less harmful on the surface, its impact on the mouth may be significant and devastating. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the lesser-known connection between vaping and oral health and discuss 4 key reasons why you should be concerned. So let’s dive in.
The sweet temptation
One of the alarming factors about vaping is the array of enticing flavours, many of which contain high levels of sweeteners to enhance the taste. With flavours like bubble gum and Coca-Cola, it’s no wonder that vaping is seeing a surge in use amongst teenagers, many of whom see it as a ‘cool’ thing to do. And, just like sugary foods and drinks, flavours can become addictive.
Moreover, when the sugary vapour is inhaled, it leaves a sticky coating on teeth and gums, similar to plaque. In fact, research suggests that vaping creates a four-fold adhesion of microbial particles to tooth enamel. This escalation in bacteria can lead to increased susceptibility to cavities and gum disease.
Dry Mouth dilemma
One of the lesser-known side effects of vaping and oral health is its propensity to cause dry mouth (xerostomia).
So why is this?
The vast majority of e-cigarettes contain some degree of nicotine which is known to compromise salivary glands thus reducing saliva production.
Saliva, however, plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by;
- washing away food particles and debris,
- neutralising harmful acids and.
- protecting teeth from decay.
But not only that;
when saliva mixes with nicotine it affects the macromolecules, enzymes and proteins contained within the saliva, causing an imbalance.
Normally, a healthy mouth has a PH of between 6.2 and 7.6. This shows a good alkalinity vs. acidy level. However, when saliva quality is affected, oral equilibrium is thrown into turmoil, making it a favourable environment for bad bacteria to thrive. This is when the connection between vaping and poor oral health becomes very real.
Nicotine nightmares
Although zero-nicotine vaping liquids are available, many people still need that nicotine fix or buzz. Unfortunately, this toxic substance has several adverse effects on oral health.
Firstly, it restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich cells needed for gum health and gum repair. This impairs the ability to stave off infections while slowing down the body’s natural healing process.
Secondly, nicotine narrows the vessels that carry blood to the oral cavity – a process known as vasoconstriction. When this happens, a lack of blood makes your gums more susceptible to infection, which in turn can lead to gum disease, gum recession, and eventually, tooth loss.
To put this into perspective, reports suggest that those who regularly smoke or vape are over three times more likely to lose teeth.
Vaping and oral cancer
One of the most concerning connections between vaping and oral health lies in the development of oral cancer. Although there is no clear evidence to support the fact that vaping causes oral cancer, there is evidence to support that vaping may increase the risk.
Chemicals contained within e-cigarettes, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, are well-known DNA disruptors that induce detrimental changes in oral cells that could be a compounding factor in the development of oral cancer.
Because vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, it’s important to note that any long-term effects on oral health remain unknown. However, the potential risks outlined above are sufficient for long-term vaping to be concerning and, therefore, should not be taken lightly.
So how dangerous is vaping, really?
When compared to traditional smoking, vaping does indeed pose fewer health risks. This is one reason why the UK government are keen to offer e-cigarettes to keep smokers away from traditional cigarettes. However, the connection between vaping and oral health should not be underestimated as research points to the fact that it does pose a threat to your mouth’s well-being.
Essentially, vapers need to be aware of the risks involved and take proactive measures to protect their oral health. These interventions include:
- Practising good oral hygiene with regular and thorough brushing and flossing,
- visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and hygiene cleaning,
- opting for a lower or zero-nicotine liquid,
- reducing vaping time and,
- drinking water after the event to prevent dry mouth.
Vaping and oral health – The bottom line
The once-tenuous link between vaping and poor oral health is getting stronger as further research and larger-scale control studies are coming to light. Therefore, if you do vape, it’s crucial to understand the hazards and to take the necessary precautions to ensure any threats to oral health are limited.
After all, a healthy smile is a prized and precious asset and one that’s well worth preserving.