Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth? Your Banbury Dentist Reveals All

1st October 2019 Banbury, Health

It is common knowledge that smoking affects the appearance of your teeth and your overall oral health, but does vaping have a detrimental effect too?

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe and funded by Cancer Research UK, reveals a significant rise in vaping among young adults in the UK. The proportion of 18 to 24-year-olds who vape has tripled since the introduction of disposable e-cigarettes, increasing from 9% in May 2021 to 29% in May 2023. This rise is especially notable among young adults who have never smoked, jumping from 2% to 9%.

Here, we will assess the issue and outline any indicators that may suggest you want to consult your Banbury dentist.

 

Analysing Vaping With Your Banbury Dentist

There are numerous factors to be aware of when preserving your oral health. Oral health affects overall health, so making informed choices is essential for well-being. Our dental team of experts at 41 South Bar is here to help you understand the effects of vaping on your teeth by addressing some important questions:

1. Is smoking or vaping worse for your teeth?
2. Does vaping ruin your teeth?
3. Why is vaping bad for you?
4. Is vaping bad for dental implants?
5. Can you get cavities from vaping?

Are E-cigs better for your teeth than normal cigarettes?

Many teens and adults are attracted to vaping or e-cigarettes, mistakenly believing it’s a harmless habit. However, this is not entirely true. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), e-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), can contain e-liquids(vape juice) that may or may not include nicotine. Regardless of their nicotine content, these e-liquids typically contain other chemicals and additives that can be harmful.

While it is well-known that cigarette smoke damages teeth and overall health, excessive vaping presents its own significant risks.

As an established orthodontics team at 41 South Bar, we feel it is our duty to share the knowledge of how much of a toll vaping can take on our patients’ oral well-being.

Is vaping bad for teeth and gums?

The short answer, it definitely is! Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of people around the world using e-cigarettes. But it’s important to understand the potential impact on your oral health.

Effects of vaping on oral health:

• Gum health: Nicotine from vaping reduces blood supply to gums, leading to gum disease and tooth loss
• Irritation and sensitivity: Vaping irritates gums and mouth lining, causing sores and sensitivity
• Staining: E-cigarette chemicals can stain teeth
• Dry mouth: Vaping decreases saliva production, increasing cavity risk
• Enamel damage: Vaping fluids can break down into acids that harm enamel
• Microbial growth: Flavoured vaping fluids promote microbial growth, increasing decay risk
• Tooth grinding: Nicotine can cause tooth grinding, wearing down enamel
• Oral cancers: Vaping has been linked to oral cancers, with higher risks compared to non-vapers

Harmful chemicals in vape smoke & their risks to your teeth

Vaping involves several chemicals that can harm your teeth, including:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): Commonly used in vaping devices and food processing, causing dry mouth
• Vaping aerosols: Increase bacteria on teeth by four times compared to non-exposed teeth due to the mix of vegetable glycerin (VG) and flavourings
• Unknown carcinogen risks: The long-term effects of inhaling carcinogens like formaldehyde and heavy metals (nickel and mercury) from vaping are still unclear

Dental Implants & Vaping: Why they shouldn’t be mixed

Vaping and dental implants are not a good combination. Our Banbury dentists stress the importance of avoiding vaping during your implant surgery and recovery.

A study published by the National Library of Medicine in 2018 found that e-cigarette vapour damages osteoblasts, which are essential for new bone formation and the growth of existing bones. The study revealed that both nicotine-free and nicotine-based vapes hinder osteoblast growth, with nicotine-based vapes causing more damage.

Since vaping can impair bone and cell growth as well as the body’s ability to heal after surgery, it can lead to the failure of dental implants.

Here’s a brief overview of the procedure:

1. Your Banbury dentist numbs your gum tissue with local anaesthesia and makes an incision to access the jawbone where the implant is placed.
2. You need to wait a few months for the implant to heal and integrate with your bone. During this time, you’ll likely wear a temporary crown.

Avoiding vaping during this period is essential to ensure your dental implant heals properly and succeeds. Read our article ‘Your guide to dental implants Banbury’ for more information.

How does vaping cause tooth decay?

Every time you vape, you’re inhaling sugars and acids that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Healthy teeth are important not just for eating, smiling, and speaking, but also for maintaining self-esteem. Sweet vapes can weaken your tooth enamel, the outer shell of your teeth and the strongest part of your body, along with;

• Enamel weakening: Sweeteners and acids in vaping aerosols reduce enamel hardness by 27%, making teeth more susceptible to decay.
• Increased bacteria: More bacteria and stickier residue in your mouth increase the risk of tooth decay
• Tooth decay: Sugars and acids from e-cigarettes come into contact with enamel with each puff, leading to decay

Regular dental visits are crucial if you smoke or vape. Your Banbury dentist can provide regular oral health checks and monitor for mouth cancer. Read our article ‘The ultimate guide to choosing a private dentist in Banbury’ for more information.

Reduce The Impacts Of Vaping On Oral Health

Quitting e-cigarettes is the most effective way to protect your oral health, but if that’s challenging, proper dental care can help mitigate some risks.

• Follow a oral care regime: Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and use an electric toothbrush with a timer to ensure thorough cleaning. Read our article ‘Dental flossing, why it’s essential for great oral health’ for more information
• Regular dental visits: Visit your affordable private dentist in Banbury for routine cleanings and exams. You might need more frequent visits if vaping has already affected your oral health
• Treat gum disease: If you show signs of gum disease, you may need a deep periodontal cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation
• Prevent cavities: Ask your dentist about dental hygiene treatments or other methods to protect against cavities

Book Your Dentist Appointment At 41 South Bar

If you vape and would like to evaluate its effects on your oral health, contact us to discuss this issue in detail. We offer routine cleanings, dental exams, and treatments to assess and address the impact of vaping on your oral health. To learn more about us or our dental care plans, get in touch with our professional team at 01295 262008 or book an appointment online today.