Vaping, or electronic cigarette smoking, is all the rage these days because of how it satisfies the need to smoke without actually doing as much damage to the lungs. It is an alternative to smoking where the user inhales vapour instead of smoke. This minimizes lung problems and other health concerns.
But can vaping ruin your teeth, too?
Vaping is less of a health threat than smoking, except for your oral health. So, if you ask your dentist, it is just as bad as smoking. Like smoking, vaping and nicotine can cause a lot of problems to your teeth and smile.
If you are a vape convert or want to learn more about vaping and how it can affect the health and beauty of your smile, here are four ways vaping can ruin your teeth that you should know today:
Nicotine can lead to tooth loss.
The most significant ingredient of vaping that cause addiction to most users is nicotine. Nicotine exists in tobacco products and vape juices for e-cigarettes. And while nicotine content is more controlled with vaping, continuous and abusive use can still be incredibly harmful to the mouth.
Nicotine causes blood vessels in the gums to constrict, decreasing the blood flow. Because of this, the gums do not receive the nutrients they need to keep them healthy and functional. Eventually, the gums turn a black colour and they become more vulnerable to bacterial invasion leading to gum disease.
Eventually, gum disease will lead to irreversible periodontal disease which affects the attachment of the tooth to the bone. Left untreated, the attachments and the bone will deteriorate and cause loose teeth.
Propylene glycol is poison to the teeth and gums.
One of the main ingredients of vape juice is propylene glycol (PG). This is a colourless and generally harmless ingredient, especially for the lungs. However, it is a different story in the mouth.
When taken orally, PG breaks down into acids that damage the tooth enamel. The enamel is the strongest substance in the body that protects the teeth. With damaged enamel, the tooth is more prone to decay and cavities.
But the main problem with PG is that it irritates the soft tissue to cause dry mouth. Saliva is the main lubricant in the mouth and it has several benefits. It is a buffer that neutralizes acidic foods and drinks to prevent tooth damage. It also naturally washes away dirt and debris, improves comfort in the mouth, and is the body’s natural defence against bacteria that may cause dental diseases. Without enough saliva, you may encounter several problems with your oral health.
Vegetable glycerin and flavourings can enhance plaque and stain build-up.
Vapes are all the more enticing than smoking, especially to the younger age group, because of the added flavourings and sweeteners. However, these ingredients are slightly sticky substances that help more bacteria and plaque adhere to the teeth.
With more microbes stuck to the teeth, you can expect the effects to be visible on the teeth and gums. Remember that plaque is an irritant and is the main culprit of gum disease. Because of this, vape users are generally more prone to have red and inflamed gums.
Aside from plaque, these agents help nicotine stick to the teeth. These cause discolourations and staining that, if left on for a long period of time, can be quite difficult to remove.
Lithium batteries generate heat and are explosive.
Last, but definitely not least, e-cigarettes are mechanical devices powered by lithium batteries. And they are known to heat up and explode. In use, this can cause extensive damage to the mouth and face.
Although it is not a common occurrence, there is still a possibility of it happening. Misuse and improper care of the device are some of the likely causes. Faulty mechanical wirings may also be to blame.
Ultimately, the risks of vaping involve tooth decay, staining, bad breath, and gum and periodontal health. If this is not managed early, you may suffer from tooth loss. But, the problem does not stop there.
Nicotine smoking covers many problems that may impact your smile, overall self-esteem, and future life. This is a good thought to ponder when asked if vaping and smoking are worth quitting.
Oral Health Rehabilitation at Signal Hill
If you previously suffer from or are currently dealing with the effects of chronic vaping and smoking, our team at Signal Hill can help restore your smile and oral health.
Of course, the main treatment and long-term maintenance is to stop vaping and smoking. Once this is managed, we can proceed with bringing your smile and oral health back to their best shape. Here are some treatment options that your dentist may consider to do just that:
Professional teeth cleaning
The first thing to do is to clean the teeth. Using an ultrasonic scaler, all debris, accumulated plaque, irritants, and even surface stains from vaping are scraped off. This prevents further bacteria build-up and halts the progression of gum disease.
Scaling and planing
For those with a heavier plaque and deposit build-up, periodontal treatment involving scaling underneath the gums and planing all tooth surfaces must be accomplished. This will remove all diseased tissues to create a healthy environment for the teeth and bones to thrive.
Teeth whitening
Long-standing tooth discolourations may not be removed with just teeth cleaning. The next option to remove the stains is laser teeth whitening. This will effectively brighten nicotine stains and help you achieve a whiter and more confident smile.
Grafts
Unfortunately, receded bones and gums will not grow back. To improve esthetics and enhance bone support for the tooth, bone and gum grafts may be considered. This will stabilize the tooth enough to prevent it from loosening further and to allow it to function as normally as possible.
Dental implants
Worse case is that we won’t be able to save your tooth due to significant damage. To prevent infection from spreading and to help get you started with smile rehab, removing the tooth may be a better option. Afterwards, your dentist will help you explore our comprehensive tooth replacement treatments such as dental implants. Implants are the best option if you want to get the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
Discover the many ways we can help you smile happily and healthily. Book your appointment with Signal Hill today!