The New Trend of Vaping and Its Impact on Our Teeth

Lately, there has been a rise in the use of devices such as e-cigarettes and vapes. Their popularity has grown because of the backlash against regular cigarettes, as many studies found that they present a serious health issue. Then came the e-cigarette or vape, which has become the latest trend and is being marketed as a better replacement for the regular cigarette.

What do we know about this new trend and how does it affect our oral health? Let us find out more about the risks and how we can manage them by getting proper dental care.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the inhalation of chemical vapour that is created by a vaping device or e-cigarette. These devices include an e-liquid container, a battery that is used to heat a metallic component which converts the e-liquid into vapours, and a mouthpiece to inhale it from. E-liquids are made of various chemical substances, sometimes including nicotine, with many types of flavours.

The vaping devices available in the market come in all shapes and sizes. You could find a vape that looks slightly bulky like an inhaler, or as simple as a pen, or one like a smartwatch.

Effects of Vaping on Oral Health

The harmful effects of long-term usage of cigarettes have been studied widely and there is no doubt that they cause severe damage to our mouth. In comparison, vaping is a relatively new phenomenon. Recent studies provide us with some of its side effects, but we know that vaping presents many other concerns with regard to dental care.

Some common dental problems that arise from vaping are:

• Dry mouth which could lead to other infections

• Blisters or mouth sores

• Irritated gums

• Cavities or tooth decay

The degree to which your oral health is impacted depends on the amount of vapours inhaled and the nicotine present in the vape liquid. We must be aware that nicotine has many side effects, not all of which have been researched.

Some effects of nicotine on our teeth are listed as follows:

• Teeth discolouration or staining

• Formation of plaque

• Gum inflammation

These symptoms could further develop into severe dental issues such as:

• Gingivitis

• Periodontitis or gum disease

• Chronic bad breath

• Decay and loss of teeth

Managing the Side Effects of Vaping

Is vaping bad for your health? Yes. The most effective way to avoid these dental problems is to stop vaping entirely. The health risks presented by e-cigarettes or vapes are similar to regular cigarettes. The side effects can be damaging to your oral health in the long term.

It is recommended that you visit a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning of teeth to ensure that you are taking the proper steps towards your oral health. You can contact our clinic for dental care in Medavakkam to learn more about how we can help you. Early intervention in your dental care can help you manage the risks of vaping.

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