Can My Dentist Tell If I Vape?
Though the debate of e-cigarettes versus cigarettes continues, more research is being made to better determine the risks associated with vaping, including its effect on your teeth and gums. The correlation between the ingredients present in cigarettes and how they affect oral health is well documented, but it is important to remember that although tar and ash aren’t present in e-liquids, nicotine is present across both and the alternative ingredients used are currently under-researched.
How does vaping affect my teeth and gums?
Nicotine, present in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, causes vasoconstriction which reduces the blood supply to the gums, making them more susceptible to infection and receding gums. This vasoconstriction also masks the early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) such as swollen gums and bleeding during brushing and flossing, allowing it to progress discretely without the opportunity for intervention. In addition, nicotine stimulates tooth-grinding, therefore signs of tooth surface loss, or a higher incidence of chips, breaks, and loss of restorations might be observed by yourself or your dentist.
Furthermore, both smoking and vaping pose a risk of “xerostomia”, or dry mouth. A lack of saliva in the mouth presents a greater risk of both cavities and gum disease as the neutralising and cleansing action of the saliva is diminished, as well as causing bad breath!
As well as these risks, certain e-liquids contain sugar which can be linked to a higher incidence of cavities and gum disease, in much the same way as the frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
Is vaping better for my teeth than smoking cigarettes?
It is impossible to decisively say without adequate, long-term research in the area. However, where vaping is utilised as a stepping stone to successfully quit smoking altogether, this study states there is an improvement in the oral health of participants who replaced cigarettes with vape pens. The incidence of tooth staining is also lower in those who vape compared to those who smoke cigarettes due to the absence of tar and ash in e-liquids - though it is worth mentioning that nicotine, when exposed to oxygen, turns a light shade of yellow, indicating there is still potential for staining with long-term use of e-cigarettes.
In respect to your overall health, general consensus is that e-cigarettes have a lower risk of causing cancer as they do not contain carcinogenic tar. However, the alternative ingredients in e-liquids are under-researched at present and so it is possible these might be proven carcinogenic in the future.
How can I minimise the impact of vaping on my oral health?
Make sure you are thorough with your oral care routine to reduce your likelihood of cavities and periodontal disease, brushing for two minutes twice daily, and flossing at least once a day.
Drink plenty of water.to stay hydrated.
Ensure you are using a sugar-free e-liquid.
Attend regular check-ups and be honest with your dentist regarding your vape habits - we won’t judge, we want to help!
Vape only as a means to quit smoking.
To conclude, though you might not immediately exhibit the tell-tale stains or smell of a smoker, your dentist will be able to deduce the other symptoms of vaping. At the end of the day, your dentist wants to help you achieve excellent oral health and a beautiful smile, so please do not hesitate to ask your dental team for advice as we are more than happy to help.
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