How Does Vaping Affect Your Dental Health?

Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon that has increased in popularity significantly in the past decade. Many use it as a way to wean off cigarettes but some people are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes at a young age. Smoking is widely recognised as a very unhealthy habit, causing gum disease, tooth loss, staining and even oral cancer, whereas vaping is considered a healthier alternative. However, how much damage is being done by vaping? Read on to learn more.

Can vaping cause gum disease?

While the effects of vaping are not yet known for certain, here is what we do know about smoking nicotine.

-      Nicotine causes vasoconstriction which means that your gum has a poor blood supply. Ultimately, this can make your gums more prone to infection and lead to gum recession.

-      Smoking will also dry out your mouth which means your mouth loses its first line of defence against bacteria. Gum disease is caused by bacteria getting under your gum line which is more likely if you have lower levels of saliva.

-      Generally, your immune system is lowered if you are a smoker which means infectious diseases such as gum disease are more likely to occur.

What ingredients should you avoid?

When choosing an e-cigarette fluid, there are some ingredients that have known negative side effects. These include:

-      Nicotine

-      Propylene glycol

-      Menthol

It’s also worth noting that flavoured e-liquids can cause even more inflammation of your gums than non-flavoured e-liquids.



How can you minimise the side effects of vaping?

There are ways to look after your teeth that can help reduce the impact of vaping on your teeth. These include:

-      Limiting nicotine intake. Try to pick low-nicotine or nicotine-free juices as nicotine will affect your teeth and gums over time.

-      Drink water every time you vape. This will help you avoid dry mouth and rehydrate you after vaping.

-      Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes plaque to help prevent cavities and promote overall gum health.

-      Floss before bed. Similarly to brushing, flossing helps remove plaque and promotes gum health.

-      Visit your local dentist often. Your dentist can help ensure your teeth are still in good condition and let you know when you need any work done. You can also get teeth whitening treatments to get rid of any stains.

Need dental treatment or dental coverage from your local dentist? Manor Road Dental is located in Swansea and offers a range of dental services to help you stay on top of your dental health. If you notice any issues with your mouth or dental hygiene, get in touch with us today to book an appointment.