E-cigarettes, or vaping, has often been introduced as a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes and other tobacco products. While the effects of vaping are still being studied, there is research showing that vaping can affect your oral health tremendously. Frequent vaping could lead to issues with your mouth, teeth, and gums that only a dentist can treat. Learn more about vaping and its effects on your health.

How Does Vaping Work?

An e-cigarette heats up a liquid made of ingredients like propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, water, and nicotine. Some of these ingredients give the liquid a pleasant smell and taste, while others, such as nicotine, provide a relaxing sensation when inhaled. An e-cigarette produces a vapor that the smoker can breathe in, hence the term “vaping.”

How Is It Different From Smoking Cigarettes?

Aside from the more pleasant aroma, e-cigarettes don’t include tobacco. Tobacco usage is the primary cause of lung cancer, so vaping has been marketed as a safer option in comparison to regular cigarettes. While vaping may be less dangerous, studies have begun to show it’s not harmless either, especially in terms of your oral health.

How Does Vaping Affect Oral Health? 

Though vaping doesn’t involve tobacco, it does have nicotine, which causes many oral health issues. Because it reduces blood flow, the gums may be starved of necessary oxygen and nutrients.

If the gum tissue dies, the issue may escalate into gum recession. Gum recession leads to an increased risk of cavities and even tooth loss.

Nicotine also reduces saliva buildup in your mouth, which could lead to a condition called dry mouth. A side effect of this condition is plaque buildup, as oral bacteria don’t get washed away regularly by your saliva. Plaque buildup and an increased presence of bacteria then result in tooth decay.

If you’re concerned about your oral health in relation to vaping, consult Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, Alaska. The dental clinic provides personalized and compassionate care for patients of all ages. Whether you need same-day dental crowns, orthodontic services, or emergency care, their team of five dentists is ready to help. For more information on their services, visit them online, or call (907) 562-2820 to make an appointment with a dentist.