Is Vaping bad for your Teeth?
Vaping has become so popular, that many see it as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. Vaping may be less harmful in certain aspects, but the e-cigarette does have its own set of health side effects. New studies have shown that vaping can become detrimental to dental and oral health. The oral cavity is a very resilient system and can heal faster than many other parts of the body. However, when repeatedly traumatized through e-cigarette use, it can cause irreversible tissue damage, permanent damage to gums and a high risk of tooth loss.
A study published in the journal iScience showed that about 43% of people using e-cigarettes such as a vape, had gum disease and oral infections compared 28% of people who do not smoke or vape. Researchers and dental professionals are finding that younger patients are developing more cavities due to vaping. The acidity of the components of the vape liquid is linked to increased cavity bacteria found in the mouths of these young patients.
In another study published by Science Advances, research found that the oral microbiome of a vape user without gum disease looked very similar to the microbiome of a person with periodontitis. Periodontitis is an oral disease usually found in adults. However, it has been increasingly found in younger people. Younger people produce more saliva that can help reduce symptoms of dry mouth. Periodontitis occurs with dry mouth and has been associated with the act of vaping. The more you vape, the higher risk you are of developing dry mouth. Despite younger people being able to produce more saliva, vaping becomes counterproductive and causes dry mouth, which then increases the risk of overall oral health problems.
Is Vaping bad for your Teeth?
Yes. Vaping can lead to a whole host of negative health effects on your oral microbiome. Vaping can cause the mouth to become dry which makes it more difficult to fight off cavities. This can also lead to bad breath, mouth sores and tooth decay. Vaping can also irritate the gum lining which can lead to advanced gum disease, gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Similar to smoking traditional cigarettes, vaping can also stain your teeth yellow and brown. Overall, vaping can lead to its own set of problems for your teeth and oral cavity health.
- Dry mouth or vape mouth. An ingredient in vape liquid called propylene glycol pulls water from the saliva and causes dryness in the mouth, nose and throat. Drinking water can rehydrate the mouth but it does not replace your saliva. Without the proper amount of saliva, it puts the oral cavity at risk for developing all kinds of bacteria. Saliva contains compounds that help protect the teeth from damage from streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes tooth decay.
- Bad breath. Some vape liquids contain nicotine. Nicotine makes it easier for bacteria to accumulate in the mouth which can contribute to bad breath as well as tooth decay.
- Gum recession and gum inflammation. Nicotine also restricts blood flow. Less blood flow to the oral cavity means the mouth is less able to repair itself and prevent damage in that area. This can result in gum recession, inflammation of gums as well as periodontitis.
- Canker sores. Vaping damages the cell lining of your mouth which can make you more susceptible to developing mouth sores.
- Cell death. Excessive vaping can increase inflammation and cause DNA damage. This leads to cell death in the mouth. Cells loose the ability to divide and grow, which leads to increased cell aging and result in cell death. This ultimately leads to periodontal disease, bone loss, tooth loss, dry mouth and tooth decay.
Ingredients in Vape liquid that can be dangerous for oral health
- Nicotine – Nicotine is an addictive substance found in both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and limits the blood flow to your gums. This means decreased blood supply to gum tissue, which can cause damage to cells in the oral cavity. This makes repairing damage in your mouth more difficult because gums do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to help with healing, leading to increased risks of oral decline.
- Propylene glycol. This colorless chemical ingredient found in vape liquids is one of the main ingredients in many vape concentrations. It pulls water molecules out of your saliva and oral tissue leading to dry mouth. Dry mouth is a main factor in tooth decay and gum disease. When it enters the oral cavity, it breaks down into acids that can damage the tooth enamel and turn into propionaldehyde, which is a chemical that irritates the soft tissue.
- Diacetyl. This chemical gives vape liquid a buttery taste and is associated with a condition known as popcorn lung.
- Vitamin E acetate. This chemical is a thickening agent found in vape liquids. When inhaled, it can cause lung damage.
- Vegetable glycerin. This chemical is a slightly sticky liquid sweetener that can help bacteria like streptococcus mutans stick to groves on the bite surface of your teeth. It causes microbes to stick to teeth leading to cavities. It doubles the growth of biofilm on the teeth. And though the sweet flavorings from vegetable glycerin make vaping more appealing, it also decreases the hardness of tooth enamel by 27% increasing the potential for tooth decay.
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Studies on the impact of Vaping on Oral and Dental Health
A 2016 study found that vaping had the potential to trigger inflammatory responses in the gum tissue. Ongoing gum inflammation is directly linked to various types of periodontal disease. Excessive vaping will lead to inflammation of the gums, which can lead to a decline in dental health.
A 2018 study found that the sweet flavorings from the aerosols created by the vape liquid lead to four times the amount of microbes on the surface of the tooth enamel. These microbes and other chemicals sticking to the tooth contribute to demineralization and eroding of the protective enamel. In another study done in the same year, researchers found that teeth that had been exposed to vape aerosols contained more bacteria than those who did not vape or use e-cigarettes. The difference was even more apparent in the pits and crevices of the teeth. Excess bacteria in the mouth is linked to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.
In a study from the NYC School of Dentistry, researchers found that vaping disrupts the balance of bacteria in the mouth. The study found that vaping weakens the ligaments attaching the teeth to the gums, also known as clinical attachment loss. This creates little pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can insert itself and grow. The study also found strains of bacteria that were only associated with gum disease in both those who smoked and vaped.
Simple ways to take care of your Oral Health
- Limit your nicotine intake
- Drink water before and after you vape
- Be consistent with brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Don’t forget to floss every day
- Regularly visit the dentist to check up on oral health
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Vaping is the term for using e-cigarettes. Similar to traditional cigarettes, some vapes also contain nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and can easily lead to an addiction. Along with nicotine, vape liquids also contain other chemicals that can be harmful to users. Oftentimes, an addiction to vape and nicotine can be a gateway to an addiction to other mind-altering substances. Professional behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea treat clients with substance addictions.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential and outpatient. Our program utilizes evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcoming their addiction.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-and-oral-health-is-vaping-bad-for-your-teeth
https://greenhilldental.com/is-vaping-bad-for-my-teeth/
https://www.dentistcorpuschristitexas.com/vaping-bad-for-teeth/
https://www.americastoothfairy.org/news/4-ways-vaping-can-ruin-your-teens-smile
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/08/26/need-another-reason-not-to-vape-your-oral-health-is-at-risk
https://www.tompkinsdental.com/blog/how-vaping-affects-your-teeth