The American public is just beginning to learn about the dangers of vaping. Several dozen people have already lost their lives due to vaping-related conditions, and thousands more have come down with illnesses, including popcorn lung. It begs the question, “Is vaping bad for your teeth?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes.” There are several health problems you can develop, here are the main ones.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
It is important to recognize that vaping products still contain nicotine. This is the same problematic material you find in regular cigarettes, and it results in many of the same health problems. For starters, regular vaping will increase your risk of developing gum disease. Nicotine causes swelling in the gum line as well as inflammation. If you vape, then you need to watch out for the signs of periodontal disease, which include:
• Receding gum line
• Loss of teeth
• Loose teeth
• Swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding or red gums
• Consistent bad breath
Greater Prevalence of Receding Gums
Is vaping bad for teeth? It is, and you need to watch out for how it impacts your gums to see how it can affect your teeth. Nicotine limits blood flow, which impacts your gum tissue. Without sufficient blood flow going to the gum’s veins, the tissue will not get the nutrients and oxygen it needs to thrive. It ultimately causes the gum tissue to die, which leads to a receding gum line. Over time, this results in increased tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.
Tooth Damage and Bruxism
It is also important to look at how vaping behaves as a muscle stimulant. Due to all of this additional stimulation, many people end up grinding their teeth. For some people, they do it at night when they cannot stop themselves. For people who already grind their teeth, frequent nicotine usage can make it even worse. Without proper treatment, teeth can begin to crack and wear down. You may need a filling, crown, or implant in the near future to remedy the damage.
Dry Mouth and Excessive Bacteria
Nicotine usage also lessens the amount of saliva you have in your mouth. Saliva is an essential component of good oral hygiene as it keeps your mouth moist and helps you swallow, taste, and chew. Without enough saliva, you will develop a condition known as dry mouth. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque, which will build up around your teeth.
Increased Risk of Cancer
While vaping products are generally marketed as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, they come with many of the same dangers, including an increased risk of oral cancers. A USC study found that people who vaped showed the same signs of oral cancer development as those who smoked cigarettes. That is not even getting into the litany of other cancers you expose yourself to through vaping, which include lung, bladder, and esophageal cancers.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment Immediately
There is still much research to be done regarding vaping and people’s health. Scientists are just beginning to understand how vaping affects the body, and the preliminary evidence suggests it can be just as harmful to you as cigarettes. It may even pose additional threats. Whether you vape or not, you want to make sure you keep your oral health in good shape by scheduling routine examinations at Tempe Smile Design. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment. We are here to answer all of your questions about vaping and oral health, including, “Does vape hurt your teeth?” Do not delay. Call us right away.