Vaping is touted to be a healthier version of smoking, not having any harmful effects on your health. But what about your oral health?
What is Vaping?
Vaping uses an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), which is powered by a battery. The mechanism contains a heating element as well as a cartridge that contains nicotine and flavors. The e-cigarette converts nicotine into a vapor for inhalation.Teeth Staining
Traditional cigarettes contain numerous chemicals. One chemical, tar, is a major component responsible for staining teeth, as it is naturally dark. It also contains nicotine, which goes from colorless to a yellowish color when introduced to oxygen. Because e-cigarettes don't contain the same chemicals as regular cigarettes, they do contain nicotine. So, while they don't stain as bad, they can still contribute to staining.Bad Breath
Cigarettes interfere with your saliva production. Poor saliva production results in dry mouth, which turns your mouth into the perfect environment for bacterial growth. E-cigarettes do not interfere with saliva flow, so therefore will not affect your breath.Gum Disease
Cigarettes restrict blood flow, and therefore limit the amount of blood in your gums. As a result, you become more susceptible to gum disease. This is due to the nicotine. As e-cigarettes contain nicotine, vaping can greatly increase your risk for gum disease as well.Oral Cancer
Years of research have proven that cigarettes and other tobacco based products significantly increase your risk for developing oral cancer. E-cigarettes have not been studied long enough yet, so their exact effects on the development of oral cancer have yet to be determined.Despite the claims that e-cigarettes and vaping are healthier for you than traditional cigarettes, the fact is, you are still inhaling nicotine. And nicotine is harmful to your oral health, as well as your overall health. Contact our office to learn more.
