Vaping involves inhaling a vaporized liquid via a handheld, battery-operated device — such as an electronic cigarette or vape pen. Because the delivery system produces a vapor rather than smoke, many people believe vaping is a safer option than smoking traditional cigarettes. But, vaping comes with its own set of risks, which include the possibility of oral cancer. A family dentist can exam you for signs of mouth cancer, but, first, it's essential to understand the link between vaping and oral health issues.

Vape Products Contain Nicotine & Carcinogens

Most electronic cigarettes and vaping liquids still contain nicotine. While nicotine itself does not cause cancer, it is an incredibly addictive substance that encourages dependency and continued use. And, with frequent use comes more exposure to the other chemicals present in vaping products, some of which are known cancer-causing agents. These include formaldehyde, toluene, and several carcinogens used to create vape liquid flavors.

Carcinogens Damage Mouth DNA

The carcinogens in vape products can damage DNA inside the mouth, and this can result in precancerous changes to the mouth lining in the early stages. If the body's healthy cells cannot repair the damage to the mouth caused by vaping, the cancerous cells will continue growing, leading to oral cancer. So, while it is true that vaping does not produce the carcinogen-rich tar that traditional cigarettes do, the exposure to other cancer-causing substances in vape products can still make a vaper susceptible to oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Systems Can Be Spotted Early

A family dentist will typically perform an oral cancer screening during your regular checkup. But, if you vape, be aware of the early warning signs of this disease. Symptoms include mouth sores that don't heal, red or white patches inside the mouth, pain or swelling in the mouth, and a persistent sore throat or hoarse voice.

If you notice any concerning signs of oral cancer, schedule an exam with a family dentist. Jerry A. Laws, DDS, has been serving patients throughout the Lexington and Piedmont, NC, areas since 1984. He offers a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services, from checkups and oral cancer screenings to fillings, dental crowns, and teeth whitening. Call (336) 249-7708 or visit his website to make an appointment with a family dentist today.