Is Vaping Bad For Your Teeth?

Are you considering vaping, but are wondering if vaping is bad for your teeth?

Many people start using e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, because they think it is better for their health. While it is true that vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco, it still poses health risks. Vaping increases your risk of developing asthma or COPD, for example, and it can lead to cardiovascular disease. You might be surprised to learn that vaping is also bad for your teeth.

Vaping is Bad for Your Teeth and Your Overall Health

Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke. Instead, they use heat to vaporize chemical components that you inhale into your lungs. Many people mistake this vapor as harmless steam, but heating the components in vape juice can irritate the tissues in your mouth and airways. Heating these components can cause inflammation within your lungs or throat, and heavy use of vaping products can cause widespread inflammation throughout your body.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco. Nicotine is a highly addictive and dangerous chemical.

Nicotine causes you to crave a traditional cigarette or e-cigarette, and to suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you ignore that craving. It also increases your blood pressure and causes spikes in your adrenaline level, which raises your heart rate and can even increase the likelihood of having a heart attack.

In addition to nicotine, the vapor produced by e-cigarettes contains ultra fine particles of chemicals and heavy metals linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and heart disease. Because of these contaminants, vaping has long-term health risks.

Nicotine has a role in cancer, for example. While nicotine itself does not directly cause cancer, research suggests that nicotine may lead to DNA damage that increases the risk of cancer. Other research shows that e-cigarette users develop some of the same cancer-related molecular changes in oral tissues as do cigarette smokers.

Vaping increases risk of gum disease

Nicotine reduces blood flow, which prevents oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood from reaching body cells and tissues. Reduced blood flow deprives your gums of the oxygen and nutrients they need; without oxygen and nutrients, the gum tissue can die.

Nicotine reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva provides lubrication for chewing and swallowing, but it also neutralizes the acid that causes tooth decay. Inhaling nicotine in vaping products reduces saliva and increases your risk of tooth decay.

Inhaled nicotine is a muscle stimulant, so it can cause you to clench or grind your teeth, especially if you are already a tooth-grinder. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can damage your teeth severely enough to cause tooth loss. Bruxism can also lead to jaw disorders, headaches and other problems. Inhaling nicotine through vaping can cause you to start grinding your teeth or worsen teeth grinding if you already have bruxism.

Regularly see A GREAT DENTIST

Despite the concerns surrounding vaping, some consumers continue using e-cigarettes. Many use e-cigarettes as a way to quit tobacco smoking; others vape for recreational reasons. If you vape, you need a great dentist to help protect your oral health.

Williams & Daily Dental is a family and cosmetic dentist located in North Raleigh, NC with a team of dedicated dentists enthusiastic in their commitment to their patients. We offer dental implants, Invisalign teeth straightening, in-office and home teeth whitening options, and Oral-B electric toothbrushes. Contact Williams & Daily at (919) 846-9070 for more information and to schedule an appointment today.