For many years, dentists have advised against the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products because of the negative effects on dental health. Vaping has been around for a much shorter time than cigarettes, and there has been some debate about how dangerous it is. Learn more about how this technology can impact your oral health with this helpful guide.

How Does Vaping Work?

With vaping, the user inhales an aerosol that’s referred to as a vapor. The aerosol is generated by a handheld vaporizer, or e-cigarette, that heats up a liquid to create the vapor. The liquid contains water, flavoring, nicotine, and other chemicals, and the vaporizers are battery-powered.

Vaping is sometimes used as an aid to quitting smoking as well as simply an alternative to tobacco. Its effectiveness in helping people to quit has not been proven.

How Is It Different From Cigarettes?

Vaporizers simulate the experience of smoking traditional cigarettes, and they are marketed as being a safer alternative. Vaping liquid doesn’t contain tobacco, but it does contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. While vaping exposes users to fewer chemicals than the 7,000 found in cigarettes, many health professionals, including dentists, are very concerned about its negative health effects. Another concern is the high level of vaping among adolescents.

Vaping & Oral Health

Vaping has a number of negative effects on oral health. It causes gum inflammation and swelling, and nicotine reduces blood flow that may cause gum tissue to die or recede.

Using an e-cigarette also leads to increased oral bacteria and dry mouth. These conditions can result in problems such as bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association, vaping may be as harmful to gum and tooth health as cigarette smoking.

If you are concerned about the effects of smoking or vaping on your oral health, Brian W. Charles, DMD in McCall, ID, can help. This family dentist offers everything from screenings and routine checkups to oral surgery and cosmetic procedures. Serving Valley and Adams counties for more than 30 years, this dental practice cares for each individual patient, and their team will be happy to provide advice on good oral hygiene. Call (208) 634-7653 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information.