Everything You Have to Know about Vaping and Oral Health

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes have grown in popularity over the last decade. These two are sometimes thought to be a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, and they may help individuals quit smoking. The truth, however, may be far from this notion. 

Read on to discover everything you have to know about vaping and oral health.

Growing Concerns Regarding Vaping

In regards to vaping, concerns remain especially among nonsmokers and long-term users. Oral health consequences may develop depending on the route of administration. The quantity of studies on their oral health repercussions has increased in recent years. Cellular effects are revealed in vitro, but they are not as dramatic as those generated by cigarette smoke.

According to microbiological studies, e-cigarette users' microbiomes may be more pathogenic than nonusers'. Few clinical trials have shown beneficial effects on oral health, and the bulk of research has been small and cross-sectional in nature. Oral discomfort, gingivitis, and dryness are all highlighted in epidemiological studies. The inclusion of varied demographics and novel products complicates data interpretation in e-cigarette studies.

Research illustrating the damages to oral health emphasizes the importance of reducing tobacco use among nonsmokers. The benefits of quitting may outweigh the unfavourable oral health effects of e-cigarette use among smokers who use them to stop in the short run. Longitudinal clinical investigations and pragmatic trials supported by high-quality in vitro studies will require additional research to fully understand the therapeutic value of biological changes found.

E-Cigarettes and Its Dangers to Oral Health

E-cigarette fluid, which contains propylene glycol, benzene, and formaldehyde, is dangerous. As a result, oral health risks like periodontal disease may develop in vapers.

According to a study published this year in iScience, 43% of e-cigarette users had periodontal disease and mouth infections. This proportion was 73% for smokers and 28% for nonsmokers and non-vapers.

Oral tissue is tough and regenerates quickly. However, it must be recognized that repeated trauma causes long-term issues. Such issues include oral cancer, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontitis.

It has also been found that the oral microbiota of e-cigarette users without gum disease was identical to that of people with periodontitis. The usage of e-cigarettes causes oral microorganisms to be stressed. They are no longer beneficial bacteria which boost inflammation. People assume this is a healthy alternative, but they are vulnerable to illness.

Oral health has an impact on overall health. Two preliminary studies presented in February at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference connected gum disease to an increased incidence of brain arterial hardening and major artery blockages. A 2018 study published in Hypertension discovered that gum disease exacerbates hypertension and makes therapy more difficult.

The Medical Intervention against Vaping

The American Tooth Association asked for a ban on unapproved e-cigarettes and more research on the effects of vaping on dental health. As such, medical professionals have sought to figure out which chemical components of vapes produce detrimental effects, how long it takes to start, and how long it takes to recover after quitting.

Because vaping has become so common, it is impossible to predict its long-term risks. Everyone is now a test subject. 

Cases of periodontal disease have also skyrocketed in younger people. Periodontal disease and oral ulcers are common in adolescents who have dry mouth. The components of electronic cigarettes create these consequences.

Younger patients who vape may be more susceptible to cavities due to the acidity of vape liquid and an increase in cavity-causing germs. This is due to adolescents' significant nicotine reliance on the sweet tastes of e-cigarettes. 

The FDA banned various flavoured e-cigarettes in an effort to prevent teen vaping, but experts fear that many are already addicted to nicotine. While eliminating flavours can help, many people stay addicted. More education and cessation programs should be implemented to discourage teenage smoking and aid those who do quit.

Conclusion

Perhaps this could be a clear sign that tells you that vaping may not be good for your health and your body. As such, don’t simply believe that e-cigarettes and vapes are tools to help you quit nicotine. If you need help quitting smoking for good, we advise you to see your doctor instead.

Are you in need of treatment for gum disease in Brampton, Mississauga,Toronto and the GTA? MobileDent is here to give you easy access to optimal oral health. Give us a call today to learn more about our services!