You may already know that smoking is bad for your teeth and gums. However, substituting vaping for smoking can still negatively impact your dental health. The following information reveals how vaping can have a bad effect on your gums and teeth.
What Is Vaping and Why Is It Bad for Your Gums and Teeth?
Vaping mimics cigarette smoking by using an electronic a pen-like device that is charged to warm an e-liquid. The e-liquid may contain fruity flavors, such as apple or cherry, or may take on the taste of a real tobacco cigarette. E-liquids may also contain nicotine, which can slow down blood flow and affect gum and soft tissue health. Another ingredient in e-liquid is propylene glycol (PG). This colorless liquid substance breaks down to form propionaldehyde, lactic acid, and acetic acid. These substances are toxic to the soft gum tissue and enamel on teeth. Also, water molecules in the saliva often bond with PG. When this happens, the vaper often experiences xerostomia, or dry mouth. Dry mouth increases plaque activity in the mouth, leading to mouth sores, decay, or gum disease.
Vegetable Glycerin and Flavorings
The vegetable glycerin and flavorings in e-liquid are also bad for the teeth and gums. VG, when combined with flavorings, causes and increase in microbial properties and biofilm formation. The resulting activities can lead to softened enamel and more cavities. Therefore, vaping certainly has its downside when it comes to dental health.
Do you vape or smoke? If so, you are at an increased risk for gum disease and cavities. If you smoke or vape, you should quit, as continuing either habit is bad for your health on many levels. Give us a call today for a cleaning and exam. When you take up healthy habits, you can more easily eliminate habits that can compromise your overall well-being.
Dental Blog | Sunnyside Dentistry | Clackamas, OR dentist Dick Hikade, DDS at Sunnyside Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about dental concerns. Sunnyside Dentistry, 14210 SE Sunnyside Rd, Suite 200, Clackamas, OR 97015 ~ (503) 451-5104 ~ sunnysidedentistry.com ~ 10/14/2024 ~ Page Keywords: dentist Clackamas OR ~
You may already know that smoking is bad for your teeth and gums. However, substituting vaping for smoking can still negatively impact your dental health. The following information reveals how vaping can have a bad effect on your gums and teeth.