Vaping and Your Oral Health
Do e-Cigarettes Hurt Gums and Teeth?
Smokers know the effects of tobacco on teeth and gums. Tobacco can stain teeth yellow or brown, even with regular brushing habits. It’s no surprise e-cigarettes have become a popular smoking alternative since they do not cause stains like tobacco. However, vaping is just as bad for your oral health as smoking. Vaping has a direct effect on your oral health, causing a different set of problems. If you vape, be sure to visit the Madison TCD dentists to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Harmful Effects of Vaping
Even though e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, they still have nicotine which causes harm to all parts of your mouth. Dry mouth from vaping can make it hard for your body to naturally clear out bacteria. This excess bacteria is associated with dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and tooth decay.
Nicotine from vaping causes gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Early symptoms include bleeding gums and bad breath. Gum recession from infection may be hard to spot since nicotine can reduce blood flow to the area. The gums won’t appear swollen, so it is hard to tell they are actually inflamed.
Since nicotine is a muscle stimulant, conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) can worsen from vaping. Grinding can occur while awake or asleep. Grinding can be detrimental to teeth as it can cause tooth decay and excessive wear. You will need our professional dentists to monitor your teeth to see if there is evidence of grinding damage.
Vaping Increases the Risk of Oral Cancer
On top of other oral health problems, vaping is a risk factor for oral cancer. Vapes were originally intended to help regular smokers quit and be a better alternative to tobacco. However, as time and research have advanced, new evidence proves vaping can severely increase your risk of oral cancer. This is due to the presence of carcinogens in the vape and their ability to create detrimental changes to oral cells. In fact, multiple peer-reviewed studies have linked the chemicals in your vape vapor to various cancers, not limited to oral cancer. If you vape, having checkups at Total Care Dental is vital to examine the risks of oral cancer.
Treating Dental Problems from Vaping
Did you know that a study posted in 2020 showed that 43% of people that use e-cigarettes had gum disease and oral infections? That’s almost every other person who vapes. Don’t be a number - schedule a checkup with Total Care Dental. Our dentists can check for these health issues and have preventative and restorative dental procedures to keep your mouth healthy. We have the latest dental technology to monitor your teeth and gums. Whether you are experiencing bruxism or have a constantly dry mouth, our dentists will find the right diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
Can Dentists Know if You Vape?
Yes, dentists can tell if you vape. Vaping may not cause the yellow stain that tobacco causes, but vaping is just as bad for your teeth as smoking. Vaping has adverse effects on your oral health - and dentists will be able to tell. If you vape, it is vital to not put off the oral help you may need! Let our experienced dentists take care of you. Schedule an appointment at Total Care Dental in Madison and get a grip on your oral health from vaping.
Visit our Madison dentists to check your teeth and gums for damage from vaping.
