Vaping and Its Effects on Your Oral Health
Knowing what we do about the harmful effects
of smoking cigarettes, more and more
people are turning to alternative methods,
such as e-cigarettes. But is this move
away from the traditional method of smoking
any better? Science is beginning to show that what many people thought of as a
safer alternative may actually have a dark side of its own.
The growing trend of using e-cigarettes,
otherwise known as vaping, has recently been making
news and the story isn’t a positive one. To
date, health experts across the country are examining more than 450 cases of
advanced pulmonary disease in which all of the outcomes are linked to vaping.
In addition, six deaths have already been reported. The mysterious rise of
illness and death surrounding this dangerous new trend brings up some serious
questions. As awareness grows, people need to pay attention to the detrimental
effects caused by vaping in all aspects of their health including their oral
health.
E-Cigarettes vs. Traditional
The way an e-cigarette works is this: a
liquid, called “vape juice” (which is an oil mixture containing nicotine and a variety of other
ingredients and flavors), is heated until it turns into a vapor which is then inhaled through the
lungs similar to the smoke from a cigarette. The main difference between vaping and
traditional cigarettes is that there is no tar and it is therefore considered not as harmful to your
health.
Is Vaping Safe?
Since we know the tar in cigarettes causes a
serious health risk, it should make us feel better that there is no tar involved with
vaping. However, just because a dangerous chemical is removed from the process, doesn’t
necessarily mean the act of vaping is safe. Studies regarding the safety the vaping are
few and far between, mostly because the practice is so new and there are still
a lot of unknowns with regards to the overall effects on oral health. That
being said, dentists are beginning to notice some risky side effects inside the
mouths of those who vape.
The Hazards of Vaping
Though we are still waiting on major studies
to be done, here is a shortlist of how vaping can affect your oral health:
- Inhaling
Bacteria. Dentists have found that inhaling vapor
causes extra bacteria to form in the mouth—usually found in small crevices,
cracks, and holes in the teeth. This bacteria encourages plaque buildup, which
can then lead to cavities.
- Dry
Mouth. A common chemical found in the “juices” made
for e-cigarettes, propylene glycol, has been found to cause extreme dry mouth
in those who vape. While this can be quite annoying, there is also a serious
health risk involved with dry mouth. Saliva is one of the key defenses against
the buildup of bacteria in our mouths. As a result, people who vape are at a
significantly higher risk for the onset of cavities and gum disease.
- Gum
Disease. The mix of chemicals used for vaping can
cause a negative reaction to occur in some people. Many e-cigarette users have
noticed sores, swollen gums and even bleeding and irritated tissue throughout
the interior of their mouth. If you are going to vape, it is vitally important
to know which chemicals are in your oil mix and to research any noted effects
they have on users.
Out of all the chemicals used in vaping,
nicotine is by far the most dangerous. For those who do vape, but want to minimize dangerous
side effects, stay away from nicotine. From gum disease and tooth discoloration to
cancer, nicotine is to blame for many stories of declining health. Whether you
are vaping in order to stop smoking traditional cigarettes, or you simply enjoy
the taste and feel of nicotine, the best move is to wean yourself off
completely.
If you have further questions about the
effects of vaping, and/or if any side effects are prominent in your mouth, come see us at
Carolina’s Dental Choice today.
-Andrae Bergeron
*Source:
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