Vaping: Here’s Why It’s Bad for Your Oral Health

It’s well known that tobacco use can negatively impact your oral health. But what about e-cigarettes? This alternative to tobacco may seem healthier, but it comes with plenty of health risks. And, the effects of vaping often show up first in your mouth before leading to other serious health conditions.

“One must remember that our mouth is its own unique ecosystem,” shares Terry Norris, DMD, the lead consulting dentist for Paramount Dental. “Altering what enters it (smoke, vape, tobacco or alcohol) can change the delicate balance, which can lead to decay, loss of teeth and even cancer.”

What are the oral health risks of vaping?

Vaping puts you at a higher risk for most oral health diseases and conditions, including:

• Dental caries (cavities).
• Gum (periodontal) disease.
• Tooth decay and loss.
• Oral cancer.
• Oral burns.
• Tooth discoloration.
• Decreased taste.
• Bad breath.

According to a study done by the American Dental Association, people who smoke e-cigarettes are 1.69 times more likely to have untreated dental cavities. Dual smokers (people who smoke e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes) are 2.43 times more likely to have untreated dental cavities.

Another study in the journal iScience showed that 43% who use e-cigarettes have gum disease and oral infections. People who smoke also have a higher risk of complications after oral surgery. They may also experience poor healing after mouth or gum surgery.

Unfortunately, because e-cigarettes are a popular form of nicotine among young people, these oral health problems are arising earlier in life than what was once common.

Why is vaping bad for your health?

Nicotine is a stimulant to the central nervous system that produces a mild euphoria through the production of hormones dopamine and epinephrine. These can almost instantly make a smoker feel happy, relaxed and stress-free. Dopamine can also suppress someone's appetite and elevate their mood.

Up until a few years ago, nicotine could only be introduced into the body by inhaling cigarette smoke, using smokeless tobacco and then later by a patch such as Nicorette. “Within the last couple of years, a new method of delivery has been introduced through e-cigarettes. Even though vaping may reduce the risk of cancer, and respiratory and vascular diseases, it is not without risks,” Dr. Norris shares.

According to the American Lung Association, e-cigarettes work by using a heating element to heat a liquid into an aerosol. Users then inhale this aerosol. This liquid contains a potion of harmful chemicals. Chemicals include nicotine, propylene glycol (the property that creates the vape smoke or fog) and artificial flavorings.

When these ingredients are heated, a chemical reaction occurs, and an inhalable aerosol is created.

If the liquid is heated to high temperatures, the properties of the aerosol can change. Nicotine content can increase, and the liquid may become thicker and more prone to oxidation. This causes the transparent liquid to turn yellow.

Metal contents from the e-cigarette may also leach into the liquid. Common metals leached that are then inhaled include aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel, lead and zinc.

Health Risks of Vaping

Vaping negatively affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems and is associated with mental health and drug use problems. This can result in a host of diseases and health conditions including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, nicotine poisoning, digestive problems, heart attack and stroke.

People who vape may see a slew of oral health problems as precursors to these conditions.

How do e-cigarettes cause oral health risks?

Oral health complications are a result of the ingredients found in e-cigarettes and the reactions that they have with your teeth.

• They cause an imbalance. E-cigarettes contain ingredients that cause an imbalance between oxygen and free radicals in your body. This results in periodontal damage and bone loss.
• The aerosol sticks to your teeth. When the liquid is heated, e-cigarettes produce a sticky aerosol that remains on the teeth after inhalation. This results in bacteria more easily sticking to the surface of teeth, which increases enamel demineralization.
• They discolor your teeth. Yellowed aerosols from being heated at high temperatures can discolor your teeth.
• The have high amounts of sugar. Many e-cigarette liquids, especially sweet ones, contain high amounts of sugar. Just like any other sugar, this can result in tooth decay and cavities.

Additional studies are being performed and evaluated on the effects that vaping has on the oral cavity and biofilms. A biofilm is a layer of bacteria that can accumulate inside or on your body. The sticky white plaque that forms on your teeth and around your gums is a type of dental biofilm.

“Studies are showing that this biofilm increases in the mouth with vaping which is not beneficial. Bacteria is a necessary part of the oral cavity, and it must be balanced within the oral ecosystem. Any imbalance can lead to a host of diseases, such as caries, periodontitis and thrush,” Dr. Norris shares.

The high glycol and sugar content of e-cigarette liquids, along with the heat from the vapor itself, are thought to be the culprits behind this increase of bacteria growth.

It’s Time To Quit Vaping

While easier said than done, if you currently vape or smoke, the best thing you can do is stop. Don’t be fooled by thinking that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes.

If you do smoke or vape, you must visit the dentist regularly. This will enable your dentist to catch any dental issues when they are still small.

Visit the dentist for a cleaning and preventive exam at least every six months. Be sure to tell your dentist that you smoke e-cigarettes and/or conventional cigarettes so they can monitor any potential issues.

Terry Norris, DMD
Dr. Norris is the lead consulting dentist for Paramount Dental.