Why Vaping is Harmful for Your Oral Health
Vaping has been a huge trend for many that want to quit smoking. In the last four years, the e-cigarette industry has more than doubled in sales, from $1.5 billion in 2014 to $3.5 billion in 2018. Many see it as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, when in fact it poses many risks most people are not aware of. They think because it is vaper the risks are very limited. In fact, in the limited research that has been done in this new industry, many risks, especially to your oral health, have been found. Here are 5 reasons why vaping is bad for your oral health.
Propylene Glycol Increases Tooth Decay
Propylene Glycol (PG) is the major ingredient used in most e-liquids. It includes acetic acid, lactic acid, glycerin & propionaldehyde; all are toxic to enamel & the soft tissue in the mouth. PG can also lead to dry mouth which increases tooth decay and gum disease & decreases enamel hardness by 27%!
More Nicotine than You May Think
While you may think you are consuming less Nicotine vaping vs. smoking, one vaping session is the equivalent of 200 to 400 puffs – equal to 2 to 3 packs of cigarettes!
E-Cigarette Use Can Inflame Gums
One 2016 study found using e-cigarettes triggers an inflammatory response in gum tissues. This affects blood flow to gums which may increase gum disease and tooth loss.
Increased Exposure to Bacteria
A 2018 study found that teeth that exposed to e-cigarettes had more bacteria than those that hadn’t. This difference could be seen in the pits and crevices of teeth. Excess bacteria can cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases.
Damage to Cell Growth and Restoration
According to a 2018 review, studies of live cells from human gums suggest vaping aerosols can increase DNA damage. This can cause cells to lose their ability to divide and grow, speeding up cell aging and resulting in cell death.
As you can see vaping can gravely affect your overall oral health. With that said, vaping does appear to pose fewer oral health risks than smoking cigarettes. Although research studies are ongoing, there’s still a lot about its long-term effects we don’t know, and the best thing to do for your health is to quit altogether.
However, we know quitting is much easier said than done! Have you had success quitting smoking? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below!