Side Effects Of Vaping On Your Teeth

Introduction

Explanation of vaping and its popularity 

Vaping refers to vapour inhalation produced by electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or similar devices which heat a liquid containing flavourings, nicotine, and other substances. In recent years, vaping has become a popular trend, especially amongst young adults because of various factors that include the multiple flavour options, social appeal, and perceived safety compared to smoking traditional cigarettes. 

Although e-cigarettes contain nicotine, they do not contain harmful chemicals and tar. Studies have shown that vaping may be less harmful to the lungs compared to smoking cigarettes, but the long-term effects of vaping are not fully understood.^1,2,3,4 In this article you will learn about the effects of vaping on oral health, including teeth. 

Overview of the effects of vaping on teeth

Although e-cigarettes are regarded as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking, there are several concerns about their potential consequences on health. Studies have proposed that vaping can negatively impact the oral health of an individual. In 2017, a study found that vaping increased the risk of teeth damage, especially in adolescents, with 11% of users reporting a broken tooth, 18% reporting gingival pain or bleeding, and 11% reporting tongue pain.⁵ A study in 2019 confirmed these observations by demonstrating that vapes that contain various flavours and nicotine contents alter the colour of enamel, suggesting that vapes negatively affect the structure and aesthetics of teeth.⁶

Side-Effects of Vaping on Teeth

Dry mouth

Causes and effects

One of the negative effects of vaping on oral health is dry mouth (xerostomia). It is not yet fully understood how vaping leads to dry mouth, but it is thought that the glycerol used in vapes can cause dehydration of the mouth. Dehydration in turn leads to reduced production of saliva which is necessary for good oral health maintenance by washing away food particles, preventing bacteria buildup in the mouth, and neutralising the acid. 

Reduced saliva can therefore increase the risk of gum disease, dental caries, and other oral health problems. A dry mouth resulting from saliva reduction can also cause difficulty in swallowing and speaking and contribute to bad breath and oral infections.^{7,8,9,10,11,12}

Tips to alleviate dry mouth

Dry mouth can be alleviated by:^12,13,14

1. Staying hydrated 
2. Chewing sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production
3. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to remove plaque
4. Choosing e-liquids with lower glycerol contents 
5. Regularly visiting a dentist

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the negative effects of vaping on oral health. Vapes contain aerosols with high amounts of acidic flavourings and sugar that can stick to the teeth and gums and destroy tooth enamel (the protective layer of the tooth) leading to cavities. Moreover, reduction of saliva production can lead to gum disease, dental caries, and other oral health problems. Vaping results in changes in the oral microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms in the mouth. This can potentially increase harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.^{15,16,17,18,19,20}

Tips for preventing tooth decay

Several steps can help prevent tooth decay:²¹

1. Maintain good oral hygiene: brush teeth regularly and attend dentist appointments at least once every 6 months

2. Hydration: drink enough water everyday to stay hydrated and alleviate dry mouth symptoms

3. Avoid sugar in e-liquids, food or drinks because they increase your risk of tooth decay

4. Use fluoride toothpaste twice daily: avoid vaping before and after brushing your teeth because it can increase the acidity in your mouth and erode your enamel

5. Use mouthwash: mouthwash helps you to remove acid in your mouth

6. Chew sugar free gum

Gum inflammation

Causes and effects of gum inflammation

Gum inflammation can be caused by the chemicals that are contained in the e-liquids. The oral tissue can be damaged further by the heat of the vapes. Nicotine from the e-liquids may cause constriction of blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the oral tissues including the gums, overall contributing to inflammation. 

This inflammation can lead to gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease. When brushing your teeth, the gums bleed easily. If the inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis that can lead to tooth loss. Vaping can delay the healing of the gums.^{22,23,24,25,26}

Importance of treating gum inflammation

Treating gum inflammation is important for various reasons, including preventing the progression of the disease and decreasing the risk of teeth loss. Gum inflammation is a very early stage of gum disease and it can progress to more severe forms such as periodontitis if left untreated. Gum disease is also linked to other health problems such as diabetes, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may reduce the risk of these problems.^26,27

Teeth sensitivity

The acidic flavourings found in vapes such as citric acid and malic acid can destroy the tooth enamel over time. When the tooth enamel is eroded, the inner tooth layer (dentine) is exposed, leading to tooth sensitivity. The teeth are also vulnerable to acid erosion due to the decreased saliva production caused by vaping. Moreover, nicotine reduces blood flow to the teeth and gums, meaning that the gum can recess and teeth roots could be exposed further causing tooth sensitivity.²⁰

Tips for managing teeth sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity can be managed via multiple strategies that aim to prevent enamel from further damage:²

1. Usage of toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth can help alleviate the symptoms. Tiny holes on your dentine and enamel are temporarily filled by an ingredient contained in most kinds of toothpaste. This decreases the risk of exposure of nerves located in these sensitive teeth
2. It is crucial to use soft toothbrushes to preserve erosion of your teeth surface
3. Check in regularly with your dentist
4. Tooth sensitivity can be rapidly reduced by using a salt-water mouthwash which balances your mouth pH level and decreases the growth of bacteria and plaque formation

Other dental and oral health issues associated with vaping

Oral cancer

Not much is known about vaping and its risks since it is a new trend. However, human cells have shown to sustain DNA damage and mutations caused by the chemicals contained in vapes, which can subsequently lead to cancer. 

Vape users have higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation which are both known risk factors for oral cancer. Several e-cigarettes contain acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein which are known carcinogens. Nevertheless, more research is needed to confirm the link between vaping and oral cancer development.^{29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38}

Tips for early detection

Early prevention is crucial for individuals who use vapes.^37,38,39

1. Vaping users should have regular cancer screenings with their dentist

2. Avoid high-heat devices as these increase the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals

3. Alcohol is a risk factor for oral cancer so its consumption should be limited

4. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent other oral health problems such as gum disease or tooth decay that can increase your risk of cancer

5. A healthy diet can improve your overall health and decrease your risk of cancer

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is characterised by chronic inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth.⁴⁰ The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, which may spread in the gum line and roots of teeth. If the immune system cannot overcome the infection, the infection then spreads further leading to the destruction of the bone. 

Studies have shown that smoking tobacco is associated with an increased risk of periodontitis due to increased risk of: tooth loss; reduced saliva production; chemical exposure; gum tissue damage; and alteration in the oral microbiome.^41,42,43  However, little is known about the effects of vaping. 

Studies have also shown that the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by vaping are comparable to tobacco smoking. E-liquids and flavourings have been indicated to negatively affect the periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts. Vape users also have a weakened immune response contributing to the development of periodontal disease.^{32,43, 44,45}

Tips for preventing periodontal disease

The most important step to prevent periodontitis is getting rid of the plaque. You should make a habit of cleaning your teeth and mouth thoroughly - your teeth should be brushed and flossed twice a day. Another important step is to schedule regular dentist appointments every 6 and 12 months.^45,46

Summary

Vaping has been found to have several negative effects on oral health such as tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and even oral cancer. The main cause of these problems is the chemicals contained in vapes. 

However, there are steps an individual can follow to reduce these effects which include vaping cessation, good oral hygiene, and regular dentist appointments. By following these tips, individuals who vape can reduce their risk of developing oral health problems.