Note: The safety
and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or other vaping
products still aren’t well known. In September 2019, federal and
state health authorities began investigating an outbreak of a severe
lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products.
This article has nothing to do with the lung disease aspect of
vaping—only studies on the dental health issues involved in vaping.
Vaping and
e-cigarette devices have become increasingly popular in the past
decade, but research hasn’t quite caught up. Although studies are
ongoing, there’s still a lot we don’t know about its long-term
effects.
According to the research studies that do exist on the
subject, clearly vaping can have a negative effect on your teeth and
overall oral health. With that said, all current research indicates
that vaping does appear to pose fewer oral health risks than smoking
cigarettes.
Current research
suggests vaping can have a variety of negative effects on your teeth
and gums. Some of these effects include:
Excess bacteria
One 2018
study funded by the American Dental Association found that teeth
that had been exposed to sweet e-cigarette aerosol had more bacteria
than those that hadn’t. This difference was greater in the pits and
crevices of teeth. The sugary film that vaping sweet e-cigarette
aerosol left behind was similar to high-sucrose candy and drinks and
might increase the risk of cavities. This resulted in the type of
excess bacteria is associated with tooth decay, cavities, and gum
diseases.
Dry mouth
Some e-cigarette
base liquids, particularly propylene glycol, can cause mouth dryness.
Chronic mouth dryness is associated with bad breath, mouth sores,
and tooth decay.
Inflamed gums
One 2016
study reported in the journal, ONCOTARGET, suggests e-cig use
triggers an inflammatory response in gum tissues. Ongoing gum
inflammation is associated with various periodontal diseases.
Overall irritation
A 2014
review reported that vaping can cause mouth and throat
irritation. Gum symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, and
redness.
Cell death
According to a 2018
review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine , studies of live cells from human gums suggest vaping
aerosols can increase inflammation and DNA damage. This can lead
cells to lose their power to divide and grow, which can speed up cell
aging and result in cell death. This may play a role in oral health
issues such as:
-
Periodontal diseases
-
Bone loss
-
Tooth loss
-
Dry mouth
-
Bad breath
-
Tooth decay
Of course, results
from in vitro studies aren’t necessarily generalizable to real-life
scenarios, as these cells have been removed from their natural
environment. More long-term research is needed to truly understand
how vaping-related cell death can affect your overall oral health.
Vaping vs. Cigarettes
The same 2018 review
from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
concluded that research suggests vaping poses fewer oral health risks
than smoking cigarettes. However, this conclusion was based on the
limited research available. As has been reported all over the news
lately, research is ongoing, and this stance may change over time.
About Nicotine in Vaping Fluids
According to a 2010
study in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology,
using a vape juice that contains nicotine may cause additional side
effects. Most research into the oral effects of nicotine focuses on
nicotine delivered through cigarette smoke. More research needs to be
done to understand the unique effects of nicotine from vaping devices
on oral health.
The study found the
following side effects may occur as a result of vaping itself
or vaping a fluid that contains nicotine:
-
Dry mouth
-
Plaque accumulation
-
Gum inflammation
The same study said
that vaping a fluid that contains nicotine may also cause one
or more of the following side effects:
-
Teeth stains and discoloration
-
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
-
Gingivitis
-
Periodontitis
-
Receding gums
When to see a dentist or other healthcare provider
Certain symptoms may
be a sign of an underlying oral health condition. Make an
appointment with a dentist or other oral healthcare provider if you
experience any of the following:
-
Bleeding or swollen gums
-
Changes in sensitivity to temperature
-
Frequent dry mouth
-
Loose teeth
-
Mouth ulcers or sores that don’t seem to heal
-
Toothache or mouth pain
-
Receding gums
Seek emergency
medical treatment if you experience any of the above symptoms
alongside a fever or swelling in your face or neck.
If you or your loved
one vapes, and you have some of oral health concerns, schedule
an appointment with Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD at her West Hartford
Center Office or her New Britain, CT Office by contacing the officeonline, or calling 860-561-2121.
Keep smiling,
Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
