Over the past ten years, one of the most pressing and complex developments in the world of public health has been the rise of vaping. What was once thought to be a relatively harmless alternative to smoking has become the primary vice of an emerging generation, one that’s been persistently difficult to study and even more so to regulate.
Researchers have done a lot of work to understand the effects that vaping can have on the body. You might wonder whether vaping can be as bad for the teeth as smoking; here’s what the emerging science says.
Potential Dental Problems That Come from Vaping
As it turns out, vaping can contribute to a variety of different oral health conditions. For example:
Dry Mouth
Saliva is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy. It breaks down food particles in the mouth and begins the process of digestion, which stymies the production of bacteria. Without it, you could start to see gum disease, tooth decay, and even mouth stores start to develop.
As anyone who vapes will tell you, it can potentially cause your mouth to dry out, making you subject to these oral health problems with long-term use.
Cavities
In addition to the downstream effects of producing cavities via dry mouth, emerging evidence suggests that vaping in itself can cause tooth decay. A 2022 study conducted at Tufts University found that subjects who vape had a dramatically higher chance of tooth decay, with 79% of them being classified as “high-risk” of developing cavities. Moreover, this research found that vaping caused decay in areas of the mouth it doesn’t ordinarily occur, like along the bottom edges of the front teeth.
Tooth Stains
While not necessarily a health problem, most people would prefer not to see their smile darken. However, nicotine in all its forms can leave behind stains on the teeth, which means that it’s very easy for vaping to start discoloring your teeth over time.
With all of this in mind, vaping can’t necessarily be counted as a decent option for your teeth. If you’re interested in protecting your oral health, cutting back or quitting vaping are good places to start.
About Our Practice
At Artistry Smile Design, we have designed every element of our practice to be as easy as possible for our patients. We want to spend our time helping people smile their brightest, which is why we have outfitted our office with a plethora of creature comforts in addition to the latest in dental technology. Both of these allow us to meet the needs of our patients, ensuring that their oral health is always in incredible condition.
If you have any questions about how vaping can affect oral health, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (614) 451-7393.