... ... VAPING & ITS EFFECT ON TEETH & GUMS
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  • Writer's pictureDr Fessy Poulose

VAPING & ITS EFFECT ON TEETH & GUMS

Vaping is the new cool trend in smoking.Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapors created by an e-cigarette or vape pen. The vapor is a mixture of chemicals that includes nicotine, similar to what in smoking cigarettes.The vaping pen delivers the ingredients in the vape juice without tars or similar agents as in cigarettes. The vape is considered as "safe," but there are still toxic agents in vaping products. In fact, nicotine can create a dependence on vaping products in as little as three days. On top of that, people who use vaping products are more likely to experience oral health problems.



Vape juice contains numerous chemicals and toxic agents that are released when you inhale the vapor from an e-cigarette or vape pen. Some of these chemicals might not be dangerous to other parts of the body but can be harmful when it comes to your teeth and gums, which they have direct contact with.Vape juice is toxic and can cause the same dental problems as traditional cigarettes, such as tooth sensitivity, dry mouth, and gum disease. However, vaping also carries other dental health risks. Since there are often added sweeteners and flavors, vaping could increase your chances of developing cavities or recurring tooth decay. Additionally, the chemicals in vape juice can lead to even worse conditions, like oral cancer.


VAPE JUICE :TOXIN TO YOUR GUM TISSUES

Propylene glycol (PG) is an ingredient that is used in many different types of products, including vaping pens. Propylene glycol is colorless and odorless, so you really can't even tell that it's there.When you vape, PG makes direct contact with all of your oral tissues. It can cause enamel erosion.It dries out your oral tissues because PG bonds with the saliva in your mouth, causing it to dry out and contributing to dry mouth. Dry mouth is a major risk factor for cavities. In turn, that means it can contribute to thick, sticky plaque buildup.


HOW VAPING AFFECT YOUR TEETH & GUMS

Vape juice contains flavorings, nicotine, and other chemicals. The flavorings in vape juice are just like what you find in other types of foods or sweets; they can alter acid levels in your mouth and contribute to cavities. Especially when vaping is already drying out your mouth during the process.


DRY MOUTH

Xerostomia or dry mouth is made worse by smoking, mouth breathing (which includes vaping,) and nicotine. Plus, the propylene glycol in vape juice is also reducing your saliva flow.

Bad breath and plaque buildup are a start. But chronic mouth dryness also puts you at dangerously high risk for aggressive tooth decay throughout your mouth.




GUM DISEASE

The gum disease is very common in smokers because of the way nicotine limits blood flow to the soft oral tissues around your teeth. Vaping pens still deliver nicotine, so they run the same risks when it comes to combatting gum disease. Even if you have great oral hygiene and floss every day, you might not be able to get your gum heal properly due to lack of blood supply



REDUCED IMMUNITY

Nicotine affects cytokine production, neutrophil function, and other immune cell functions. Which results in reduced immunity and increased infection . Your body isn't able to help repair itself as quickly or manage conditions like gum disease. Aggressive periodontal infections are seen more in people who smoke or vape compared to non-smokers with healthy immune systems.The nicotine from smoking and vaping products literally cuts down the blood flow to your teeth and gums, restricting your body’s ability to send antibodies to those areas to fight off infections. That’s why even if you’re brushing and flossing, you might still get chronic, hard-to-treat periodontal disease.



TOOTH LOSS

A natural side effect of vaping-induced dry mouth and cavities result in tooth loss. Obviously, tooth loss is a bit on the extreme side of things, but if you’re not someone who sees a dentist regularly, you may run the risk of having non-reversible tooth damage because of decreased action of immune system. When gum infections don’t heal, the tissues detach themselves from the roots of your teeth. Over time, teeth get loose and will eventually fall out on their own.



CANCER

The data out there does suggest there’s a possible link between e-cigarettes and head and neck cancers. In some instances, oral cancer found in individuals who vape is extremely progressive and fatal.






It’s important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, especially if you use any tobacco product, vaping pen, or e-cigarettes. Because common issues like xerostomia will raise your risk of cavities and gum disease, a preventative care plan should be a top priority.





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