In recent years, vaping (the use of e-cigarettes) has become increasingly popular. Many people reason that it is better than smoking, so there is no reason for them not to indulge. However, extreme caution is in order. Vaping is not only risky for your overall wellness, but it can also harm your oral health! This blog post touches on four ways that this habit could affect your smile.

Dry Mouth

Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in e-cigarettes. Unfortunately, this compound is strongly associated with a heightened risk of dry mouth. When your mouth is not producing enough saliva, you are more likely to experience a number of issues, including bad breath, cavities, difficulty swallowing, and more.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an extremely dangerous condition. In fact, if it does not receive proper treatment, it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, dementia, and other serious health problems.

Many e-cigarettes feature nicotine, which restricts blood flow to the gums. When the gums are not getting enough oxygen and other nutrients from the blood, they are more vulnerable to infections. You could easily end up with gum disease.

Tooth Discoloration

Normal cigarettes have a reputation for staining teeth, causing them to take on a yellow or even brownish color. That happens because cigarettes contain tar and nicotine. E-cigarettes do not have any tar, but they do contain nicotine. Therefore, using them may discolor your smile and cause you to become self-conscious about the way you look.

Changes in Your Oral Microbiome

A healthy mouth contains countless microbes, most of which are neutral or even helpful for a person’s oral wellness. Unfortunately, the use of e-cigarettes can upset the balance of micro-organisms within your mouth. The aerosol in vaping products can also cause a four-fold increase in how much harmful bacteria clings to your teeth. As a result, you may be more prone to cavities and gum disease. You might even be at an increased risk of oral cancer!

Vaping might seem like a better alternative to traditional cigarettes, but it is actually extremely harmful! Do your best to kick this habit so you can enjoy a healthy smile and a healthy body.

Meet the Practice

The general dentists and specialists at Abington Family Dental Care are proud to provide comprehensive oral health services to our community. If you have questions about how vaping may be affecting your oral health, or you have other concerns about your smile’s wellness, we would be pleased to serve you. Get in touch with our team at 781-780-2658.