While it’s general knowledge, this statement bears repeating: smoking is not good for your health. But what about vaping? Is it as dangerous as smoking? Considered a better alternative to smoking, it has gained traction in the market. However, it may be more insidious than first believed.
Here are a few things you need to know about vaping and its effects on teeth and gums.
Why Vaping Is More Dangerous Than Smoking
Many health advocates have been concerned about the irresponsible marketing of electronic cigarettes (e-cig) or vapes to entice young people who do not prefer tobacco products. Since 2014, the number of cigarette smokers has steadily decreased due to the intensified awareness of the dangers associated with tobacco smoke. Since then, many people switched to vaping, believing that it is a safer option than smoking traditional cigarettes.
But is vaping really a less harmful option to smoking? Let us know the main elements used in a vape and its side effects.
Propylene Glycol
Exposure to propylene glycol (PG) is the first danger associated with vaping. The use of PG is widespread in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and food processing of liquid sweeteners, ice creams, and whipped dairy products. Because of its transparent colour and faint sweet taste, it is used as one of the ingredients used in vape juices.
While PG is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), it has damaging effects on our dental health. When used orally, PG breaks down into acetic acid, lactic acid, and propionaldehyde, which can cause the enamel and gum tissues to deteriorate. Additionally, PG is hygroscopic, meaning it can easily bond to the water molecules and oral tissues and cause tissue dehydration.
Vegetable Glycerin and Flavourings
The second dangerous component of vape products is vegetable glycerin (VG) and flavouring. Just like PG, VG has a viscous, colourless, odourless, and sweet-tasting flavour and has a number of applications, including pharmaceutical, and medical, personal care, and food processing.
Although VG is not metabolized by cariogenic bacteria and does not cause cavities, studies reported that the combination of VG and vape flavourings can increase the microbial adhesion to enamel by fourfold and biofilm formation by twofold. Also, the flavourings added to vape juice can reduce the enamel hardness by 27%. Additionally, the viscosity of the vape juice causes harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutants to stick to the pits and fissures of the teeth.
Nicotine
The third danger that comes with vaping is nicotine. Although e-cigs have a much lower level of nicotine than traditional tobacco products, consuming one electronic cartridge equals smoking 2 to 3 packs of cigarettes. Nicotine exposure does not only affect your gum health, but also affects the gingival blood flow, cytokine production, neutrophil and immune cell functions, as well as reduce connective tissue turnover.
Lithium Batteries
E-cigs are lithium battery-operated. However, the vape pen and lithium batteries can potentially overheat and explode, resulting in severe burns and injuries which could require prolonged and intensive medical treatment. While these incidents are rare, the explosion could be caused by defective lithium batteries.
Instead of smoke, vape uses aerosol or vapour to carry nicotine into the lungs. While many believe that the e-cig aerosol is merely harmless water vapour, the aerosol does not only contain nicotine, but also ultra-fine toxic chemicals and heavy metal particles that can damage your mouth, teeth, and gums.
More studies need to be conducted to substantiate the dangers of vaping. However, we have gathered some important information about the impact of nicotine on your mouth.
The Impact of Vaping on Your Teeth
Not everyone who vapes is at risk of oral infections or disease, but it is best to be aware of the potential side-effects of vaping. Prolonged consumption of nicotine-infused vape juices can put you at risk of developing some of these dental health issues, including:
Tooth Decay
– Did you know that flavoured vape aerosols have a similar chemical makeup to sweet candies and acidic drinks, such as soda. Hence, the consumption of flavoured vape juices increases the population of bacteria in your mouth, causing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Receding Gums
– Nicotine reduces the flow of blood in your gums. It prevents the blood from supplying sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients needed by the gums to stay healthy. Insufficient blood flow could lead to the death of gum tissues, and eventually, the recession of the gums. Severe gum recession can result in tooth sensitivity, tooth caries, and in some cases, premature tooth loss.
Bruxism and Tooth Damage
– Nicotine acts as a muscle stimulant when inhaled. Long-term nicotine consumption can cause bruxism (teeth grinding) or worsen the condition. Incessant teeth grinding, clenching, and gnashing can result in serious tooth damage and other dental problems.
Death of Mouth Cells
– Various studies reported that vaping aerosol can prompt inflammation and DNA damage of healthy cells from the gums. This causes the cells to lose their ability to divide and grow, speeding up the process of cell ageing and ultimately, cell death. The death of cells in your mouth can contribute to the following problems:
- Bone loss
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth loss
- Unpleasant breath
- Dry mouth
- Tooth decay/caries
Oral Thrush
– Vaping can aggravate the growth of the fungus called Candida albicans and cause oral thrush.
Reducing the Effects of Vaping on Your Oral Health
The most effective defense against the effects of vaping is to stop it. Quitting can be challenging and could take a long time to completely kick the habit. Until you are able to succeed, make sure to take care of your mouth. Reduce vaping side effects by practicing good oral hygiene.
Brush and Floss
– Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste saves your teeth from cavities and strengthens your enamel. After vaping, wait for at least 20 minutes before brushing to prevent enamel erosion. Make sure to floss daily to keep your gums healthy.
Check Your Mouth
– If you notice dental problems, such as gum bleeding, soreness, persistent bad breath, consult your dentist immediately.
Drink Water and Eat Healthily
– Drinking at least 2 litres of water (or 8 glasses of water) can keep you hydrated and reduce the risk of dental problems. Also, water flushes out the harmful bacteria and neutralizes the acid in our mouth. Eating fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods are also good for your teeth and gum health.
Regular Dental Checkup
– Visiting, Springdale Dental Centre, your dentist in Brampton every 4 or 6 months can help ensure that your mouth, teeth, and gums are in good condition. The dentist can also detect early signs of teeth and gum problems and provide prompt treatment to prevent the problem from worsening.
Although e-cigs do not use tobacco as the main ingredient, vaping can pose health hazards similar to tobacco smoking. If you cannot stop vaping, make sure to stay on top of your oral health. Call Springdale Dental Centre at (905) 458-1212 to book an appointment with us.
