Everyone knows that smoking is detrimental to your oral and overall health. So is vaping any healthier? Studies show that vaping is in no way better than smoking. Unfortunately, an increasingly alarming number of teens and adults are under the false impression that vaping is a harmless alternative to smoking. Learn more about the impacts of this harmful habit on your oral health.
Vaping Overview
Vaping involves using a device called an e-cigarette to heat a liquid that releases aerosol or vapor the user inhales. The liquid, known as e-liquid, usually contains glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings, water, and nicotine.
Users often mistake the aerosol for harmless water vapor. However, it is far from harmless. Aside from nicotine, the aerosol contains ultra-fine particles of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Moreover, the vaping devices can release formaldehyde when heated with high-voltage batteries.
While e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, vaping still poses significant oral and overall health risks. It is a misconception that e-cigarettes are healthier for you than cigarettes, or that vaping isn’t bad for your oral health.
Vaping and Your Oral Health
Nicotine in the e-liquids is harmful to your oral health. It reduces blood flow with detrimental effects on your teeth and gums. Without sufficient blood flow, the gums are deprived of the oxygen and nutrients they need to maintain their health. That results in receding gums, which in turn leads to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of tooth decay, and in some cases, tooth loss.
Nicotine acts as a stimulant, aggravating tooth grinding, a condition known as bruxism, which often causes tooth damage and jaw pain. It also causes dry mouth, which results in increased bacteria, plaque buildup, and tooth decay. Vaping also elevates the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. The nicotine causes gum inflammation, which, coupled with dry mouth and increased bacteria, is the perfect recipe for gum disease. The harms of vaping don’t stop here. Patients often report dull, stained teeth and persistent bad breath.
Quality Preventive Dentistry in Greensboro
Contact Dental Care of Greensboro to learn more about the harms of vaping. If you choose to vape despite the risks involved, make sure to take the needed steps to safeguard your smile. These include meticulous oral hygiene practices and regular dental exams and cleanings. We are here to support your oral health every step of the way. Call us and schedule your appointment today!