Effects of Vaping on Your Oral Health

Since this has been in the news a lot lately, many people have become more and more aware of the dangers associated with vaping, the popular alternative to smoking tobacco.

We’ve heard that vaping has been associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease. But what effect does vaping have on your oral health?

While more research needs to be done to find out just how bad vaping can be for our bodies and oral health, there are a few things several studies have already found.

Dry Mouth
Typically, the flavored liquids used in vaping may contain ingredients such as propylene glycol that are known to contribute to or cause symptoms like dry mouth. While that may not sound that bad on the surface, dry mouth, if left untreated, can increase the risk for decay, bad breath, and even gum disease.

Inflamed Gums
Nicotine has been found to reduce blood flow to the gums, and without proper blood flow, the mouth’s ability to fight off bacteria may diminish, thus increasing the likelihood of gum disease.

Cell Damage
Another study concluded that vaping may also cause damage to the cell’s DNA. This could lower a cell’s ability to divide and grow and can essentially kill off a cell’s life prematurely. The subsequent cell damage may also be directly linked to issues like bad breath, bone loss, tooth loss, and gum disease.

For more information on vaping and tips on quitting smoking, visit the American Lung Association.

And, as always, make and keep your appointments with the professionals at Longmeadow Family Dental Care.