One of the many problems with cigarettes is that they counteract dental care, staining teeth and increasing the risk of oral cancer. To avoid these problems, many people turn to vaping without realizing that it's also bad for oral health. While vaping presents a different set of problems, many of them are just as bad as cigarettes. If your child has started vaping, encourage them to quit to avoid these ill effects.

3 Dental Related Reasons to Quit Vaping

1. Bacteria

Bacteria in your mouth are responsible for plaque formation, tooth decay, and infections. A study in 2018 examined many different e-liquids used in vape pens, testing several effects on oral health. They found that because the e-liquids were usually sticky and contained flavorings and sweeteners, they clung to teeth, increased plaque formation, and lowered tooth enamel hardness by 27%.

The same study noted that e-liquids often contain chemicals that could be carcinogenic. Because this is still a new area of study, there isn't much data available on the level of risk.

2. Dry Mouth

Nicotine in any form reduces saliva flow and causes dry mouth. Dry mouth is harmful for teeth because saliva helps wash away food and bacteria and dilutes bacterial acid. Without saliva, your child will accumulate more plaque, putting them at higher risk of tooth decay.

3. Inflammation & Irritation

Nicotine also irritates the mouth and gums. The gums then become more susceptible to infection. Swollen, infected gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets in which bacteria reside. This exposes vulnerable tooth roots to decay and gives bacteria a hiding place in the mouth that's difficult to clean out.

If your child needs help revitalizing their dental care to combat vaping aftereffects, consult Pedodontic Associates. With locations in Aiea, Kahului, and Honolulu, HI, they have over 25 years of experience providing comprehensive pediatric dental care. They also handle emergencies. Call their Honolulu location at (808) 735-1733, Aiea at (808) 487-7933, or Kahului at (808) 877-0066 to make an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their services.