Why Vaping is So Bad for Your Teeth and Gums

Did you know that oral hygiene and health can be linked to the state of your overall wellness? If your mouth is not healthy, there is a chance it is harming your physical health as well. There are multiple harmful ingredients in e-liquid (vape juice) that can harm your teeth. To find out about your oral health, schedule a consultation with our doctors at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA.

What ingredients in vapes can do damage?

The nicotine in vapes and e-cigarettes may lead to gum diseases and tooth loss. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and affects the natural infection-fighting abilities of your mouth. Vape juice has high levels of propylene glycol, which is safe to eat but is damaging to your teeth. The acids break down and damage your enamel. It also breaks down into propionaldehyde, which can irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. The propylene glycol can cause dry mouth. This takes away your saliva, which is essential to oral health. Vegetable glycerin and other flavoring components can cause bacteria to stick to your teeth. Large amounts of bacteria are linked to many oral conditions, including:

• Tooth decay

• Cavities

• Gum diseases

The adhesive liquid helps the bacteria stick to the surfaces of the teeth. This causes almost four times the number of microbes that can attach to your teeth.

What effect does vaping have on your teeth and gums?

Studies have shown that teeth that had been exposed to vapes had more bacteria present in the pits and crevices of the teeth than those which had not. Excess bacteria are linked to tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases. Inflamed gums are also associated with vaping. E-cigs can trigger an inflammatory response. If this occurs over time, it could lead to periodontal diseases. Vaping aerosols can cause an increase in inflammation and DNA damage, leading to cell death. Cell death can lead to many problems, including:

• Periodontal diseases

• Bone loss

• Tooth loss/decay

• Bad breath

• Dry mouth

Lithium batteries have been known to heat up and explode. Between 2015 – 2017 there were around 2,000 ER visits for vape device explosions. At LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, our team can give you a full dental workup to check on your oral health.

Things to know about vaping

Vaping has not been around for very many years; therefore, we do not know the full extent of the damage it could do. Unfortunately, very little is known about the long-term effects vaping has on your oral or physical health. Up to 37% of high school seniors and 17% of eighth-graders have admitted to vaping within the past year. It is not just adults who are risking their health over e-cigs. Children can cause permanent damage to their gums, which could lead to tooth loss early in life.

Where can I get an oral check-up in Lancaster PA?

Vaping can have a lasting effect on both your physical and oral health. There are so many factors about vaping that remain unknown. Long-term studies are needed to determine the effects vaping could have on you. Contact LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA today for a full consultation on the state of your oral health today.