Vaping has been causing serious health issues for young people in the Midwest. As of this month, 12 teens have been hospitalized in Wisconsin because of vaping-related lung damage. As a parent, you may be concerned about how this activity affects your teen’s oral hygiene and overall well-being. Here’s what dentists want you to know and what they recommend.

How Vaping Affects Overall Health

Teens who vape use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), which are devices that heat chemical compounds that often include nicotine in liquid form to create vapor.

Users breathe the vapor from the heated liquid, exposing their lungs to the chemicals. This can make breathing more difficult, and exposure to nicotine may cause a type of DNA damage that contributes to cancer. In teens and young adults, vaping can also cause changes in brain development.

How It May Impact Oral Health

Nicotine restricts blood circulation, which can make the gums more susceptible to gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease.

While more research is needed in this field, scientists know that with or without nicotine, e-cigarette aerosols in sweet flavors such as pineapple and cotton candy can contribute to cavities.

The vapor also has a damaging effect on tooth enamel, much like acidic foods and sugar. In addition, explosions have occurred while teens use e-cigarettes, resulting in burns, bone fractures, and damage to the cheeks, teeth, and gums. 

What Dentists Recommend

Dentists recommend warning your teen about the dangers of vaping and encouraging them to quit if they are users. To maintain good oral hygiene and protect overall health, young people should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.

To minimize enamel damage, rinse the mouth with water after drinking carbonated or acidic beverages, eating sweets, or vaping. Visits to a dentist for an oral checkup every six months will also help guard against tooth decay and gum disease.    

The dentists at New Horizons Dental LLC care about your teen’s oral hygiene and general health. Based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and serving all of Wood County, these dental professionals deliver high-quality services by using state-of-the-art technology combined with skill and compassion. Visit their website to learn more about what they offer or call (715) 424-7810 to book an appointment.