Using electronic cigarettes, or vaping, has been marketed as a “safer” option than smoking traditional cigarettes. The smoking of vape among youngsters is increasing day by day in MontvilleThere are hazards associated with vaping, particularly with regard to your oral health, even while it may help you avoid some of the hazardous substances included in tobacco smoke. If you or someone you know has damaged their teeth due to vaping, it can be reversed by contacting a general dentist in Montville, NJ.
Does vaping deteriorate our dental health?
Even nicotine-free vape liquids can lead to dehydration in your mouth. Saliva is necessary for removing food particles, reducing acids, and fighting off microorganisms. Vaping-induced reduced salivary flow can result in:
- Increased risk of cavities: Bacteria thrive and cause tooth decay when there is inadequate saliva to clean away sugar and neutralize acids.
- Dry mouth: Certain base liquids used in e-cigarettes, particularly propylene glycol, can dry out your mouth. Tooth decay, oral ulcers, and bad breath are all associated with persistent dry mouth.
- Increased risk of Thrush: Thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth that grows in a dry environment.
- Gum Disease: Vaping can cause gum tissue inflammation and irritation. Gingivitis, or early gum disease, and periodontitis, or severe gum disease, which may result in tooth loss, may arise from this.
Are there any ingredients that should be avoided?
Despite having to provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with an ingredient list, many manufacturers opt not to identify ingredients on their packaging or websites.
As of right now, the sole elements of e-liquid that have been shown to be harmful to oral health are:
- Propylene glycol,
- Menthol,
- Nicotine
Additionally, compared to non-flavored e-liquids, flavored e-liquids might worsen gum inflammation more.
You may lower your overall risk of side effects by restricting or preventing particular elements. Many vape liquids include nicotine, but not all of them do. The compound nicotine itself can:
-
Impede healing
Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight off gum infections or heal from dental activities.
-
Sensitivity increase
Nicotine usage can make teeth more sensitive to heat and cold.
-
Uncertain Long-Term Effects
Since vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, studies are still ongoing to figure out its long-term impacts on dental health. However, early results point to a possible connection between vaping and mouth cancer.
Here are some tips to keep your smile safe:
-
Contact your dentist
Talk to your dentist about the possible concerns if you are currently vaping or thinking about doing so.
-
Stop Vaping
Ending vaping is the best method for protecting your dental health. You can get support and services to help you quit from your doctor or dentist.
-
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Regardless of vaping habits, maintaining proper oral hygiene requires brushing twice a day, flossing frequently, and arranging routine dental exams.
-
Brush twice daily
After each meal, brush your teeth. This helps in getting rid of food particles and plaque that have become stuck between your teeth and gums. Furthermore, scrub your tongue because it may contain bacteria. A toothbrush should fit comfortably in your mouth and have soft bristles.
Consider a battery-operated or electric toothbrush. These are far better than manual brushing at eliminating plaque and gingivitis. Every three to four months, or earlier if the bristles begin to tear, replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads.
Considerations
Your teeth and general oral health may suffer as a result of vaping. Nevertheless, when compared to smoking cigarettes, vaping seems to present fewer dangers to oral health.
Over the past ten years, e-cigarettes and vaping devices have become popular, but research has failed to keep up. Despite current studies, much about its long-term effects is yet unknown.
