Our dental health can be impacted positively or negatively by our lifestyle and pleasures. Habits like smoking and vaping cause health issues that affect our lives and our future. Problems such as bad breath, plaque, gum disease, yellowing teeth, bone loss, slow healing, and an increased risk of oral cancer can be issues that result from these habits. Frankly, they can be hard to resolve without the right dental healthcare.
In the U.S., 9% of adults use e-cigarettes – many of them being former smokers. Although the majority of medical professionals concur that vaping is probably less toxic than smoking, they still advise against it.
If you’ve ever wondered how vaping impacts your health and dental hygiene, let’s dive into the effects of vaping and answer questions about protecting your healthy teeth, gums, and future.
Are you interested in protecting your teeth, gums, and health? Schedule an appointment with Health Centered Dentistry today!
Vaping and Dental Health
Over the past ten years, vaping and e-cigarette devices have grown in popularity. But unfortunately, your teeth and oral health can suffer from vaping.
There are so many aspects to consider like yellowing teeth, and how do you whiten teeth that have been stained by vaping. And what about suggestions for maintaining healthy gums and teeth while smoking e-cigarettes? Here’s more about the effects of vaping on your teeth.
Effects of Vaping on Your Teeth
Vaping devices produce a viscous, thick vapor that can be retained within oral tissues. Because there are more than 10,000 different vape liquids available, the research is still pending. But some of these e-cigarettes contain ingredients that have the potential to harm periodontal health, and general health, and cause developing health issues, particularly in the area of dental care.
Vaping can have potentially dangerous and negative effects on your oral health. Certain vaping solutions may be more dangerous than others because of their composition. You need a dental practitioner who keeps informed about the potential risks associated with vaping and how to treat them.
According to early reports, e-cigarettes have a similar impact on periodontal tissues to traditional cigarettes. Some vaping formulations, particularly those with sweet flavors that are used to draw in young people, can be very cariogenic. During the medical-dental history, patients should be routinely questioned about their vaping practices.
Does Vaping Lead to Dental Concerns?
Yes. E-liquids contain several substances that are harmful to our mouth health. Also, the problem may begin early. There are more and more kids and teens drawn to vaping which means you have to look out for your family’s dental health.
So, what effects does vaping have on your gums and teeth?
- Tooth Decay. A primary effect of vaping is dental rot, which eventually leads to tooth loss. One of the primary ingredients in e-liquid, propylene glycol, is a colorless substance that absorbs into our teeth’s enamel and can eventually lead to serious tooth decay.
- Dry Mouth. Nicotine, a different component of e-liquid, decreases salivary flow, which serves as a protective coating for dental enamel and results in dry mouth.
- Teeth Discoloration and Stains. Although not as much as traditional smoking, vaping can discolor teeth. Because your naturally porous teeth are easily able to collect brown nicotine particles from e-liquids, vaping results in yellow teeth.
- Toxic Chemicals. Vape fumes frequently contain toxic chemicals that are hazardous and can hurt gum tissues. Regular exposure to these substances might result in cavities, receding gums, and more sensitive teeth.
- Gingivitis and bacteria in the gums can be one of the negative effects of vaping nicotine-containing e-cigarettes.
- Receding Gums due to periodontitis which is the next level in the periodontal chart after gingivitis.
- Excess Bacteria. The bacteria on teeth that had been exposed to e-cigarette aerosol is generally higher than bacteria on teeth that are not exposed.
- Cavities related to too much bacteria.
- Mouth Pain due to propylene glycol and other liquids in e-cigarettes that affect and dry the mouth.
- Bad Breath from chronic mouth dryness from these chemical liquids.
- Mouth Ulcers as a result of dry mouth and chemical wearing on the mouth tissue.
- Swollen Gums from vaping liquids that cause gum tissues to become inflammatory.
- Periodontal Disease can be linked to inflammation of the gums.
Vaping can irritate the inner mouth, gums, tongue, and throat causing redness, swelling, and pain as an effect which can be life and health-altering. Continued use of vaping aerosols can even damage and worsen the situation causing inflammation, cell aging, and even cell death.
What Can You Do to Help with Vaping Dental Issues?
There are several helps for vaping dental issues that you can gain from a reliable dental healthcare center including:
Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings and dental sealants are crucial procedures provided by a holistic dentist that may assist you to safeguard and preserve the teeth of your kids and teens who are vaping. Adults also require regular dental checkups and cleanings to preserve teeth and care for any areas of concern.
A dentist who is family- and health-centered will care about every member of your family and provide for your family, especially those who may be vaping proper cleaning, removal of bacteria, and addressing decay issues to maintain healthy teeth.
Periodontal Screenings
Do you know where your teeth fall on the periodontal chart? If you’re vaping or smoking, it’s crucial to address the periodontal effects of toxic liquids, nicotine, and other chemicals.
A holistic dentist in Anchorage can perform a dental hygiene examination and X-rays, learn about your medical background, and assist you in understanding what stage you are in on the periodontal chart. There are many stages of periodontal disease and it’s important to avert concerns about your dental health and understand how to address early indicators of gum disease. Preventative care can make all the difference in the future of your teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth that have been stained by vaping often require professional whitening treatments, including laser in-office treatments and/or at-home whitening trays. Professional dentistry can help with both of these options.
Proactively Addressing the Effects of Vaping on Your Teeth
It’s crucial to take special care of your teeth, particularly if you are vaping. After vaping, drink water or gargle an antibacterial mouthwash. Brush your teeth regularly, reducing plaque and bacteria.
Be sure to seek your holistic dentist to educate you, your family, and even your children on proper home oral hygiene techniques and to get the special care you need to proactively address dental issues related to vaping and dental health.
When you or your family members are concerned about the effects of vaping and smoking on your teeth, your dental health professional can address areas like bad breath, bacteria and plaque buildup, periodontal troubles, discolored teeth, and any other worries that you may need support concerning.
Yes, your habits and lifestyle can significantly impact your oral health, especially vaping and smoking, so addressing these issues early can help you to lead a long, healthy, happy, and smile-filled life!
Are you interested in protecting your teeth, gums, and health? Schedule an appointment with Health Centered Dentistry today!
