Vaping and Oral Health: How It Affects Your Teeth and Gums

Vaping is marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking but it’s far from safe and teeth are not exempt from risk. Because flavored e-liquids have very high amounts of sugar, and e-liquids contain chemicals, that can all contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. With research increasingly discovering the many long-term effects of vaping, users must know about these risks and safeguard their oral health now.

What’s in Vape Products

• Nicotine: Nicotine being a highly addictive substance, it narrows blood flow which can lead to poor gum health.

• Propylene Glycol and Glycerin: These are humectants that retain moisture in vapor, ironically drying your mouth and promoting bacterial growth.

• Flavoring Agents: Some flavors include diacetyl, which may lead to respiratory problems and oral tissue damage.

• Other Toxins: Heating elements in vape devices, trace amounts of heavy metals (like lead, tin, and nickel) can go up in the mouth, further harming toxic levels.

Effects on Teeth

Teeth Staining

Just as traditional cigarettes stain teeth, the nicotine in e-cigarettes can do so as well. While the nicotine and other chemicals in vaping may not produce smoke, they can still adhere to teeth leave yellowish stains, and dull a smile.

Enamel Erosion

Dry mouth is caused by the propylene glycol in every vape juice. Experimental results suggest that saliva is crucial in neutralizing mouth acids and defending tooth enamel. Reduced saliva means acids and bacteria remain on teeth and over time they begin to erode the enamel. When enamel is gone, it doesn’t regrow, so teeth become more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

Erosion of enamel is accompanied by an increased risk of developing plaque and tooth decay due to the sugars and flavoring agents in vape juices. The bacteria in our mouth then eat the sugars and produce acids that attack the teeth. At some point, this causes cavities, discoloration, and weak teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity

Vaping, however, can also cause tooth sensitivity if enamel has been eroded. This will also make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or acidic foods that may cause you pain or discomfort while eating.

Effects on Gums

Restricted Blood Flow

Nicotine tightens blood vessels and restricts the blood flow of the body, including in the gums. For healthy gums, an unending supply of oxygenated blood is needed for tissue repair and fighting off infection. Weak blood flow reduces gum blood supply and makes them more susceptible to disease.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Vaping and nicotine damage blood flow and the drying effect creates a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive. Vaping damages the gum tissue’s immune response, allowing more bacteria to settle into it, which leads to infections. Gingivitis (gum inflammation) and if untreated, periodontitis (severe gum disease that can lead to tooth loss or other health problems) can result.

Gum Recession

Gum disease continues to spread, and can cause the gum tissue to start to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. Not only is this making tooth sensitivity increase, but it is weakening the support structure, putting your teeth at risk of potentially falling out. Severe cases of gum recession can be difficult to reverse and can need surgical intervention.

Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

Dry mouth is the result of vaping because it causes a lack of saliva production. Washing away food particles, bacteria and acids is important and strongly depends on saliva. Bad breath is caused by a dry mouth and will also lead to decay and gum disease.

Oral Infections and Ulcers

Some of the chemicals in vape products can cause the soft tissues of the mouth to become irritated and infected even leading to oral infections, sores, and ulcers. For instance, propylene glycol can dry out quite a bit, which can cause inflammation in those fine tissues in the mouth and be truly sore.

Vapors May Carry Chemicals that cause Oral Cancer

Although lots of articles imply that vaping is a better alternative in many ways to smoking, studies affirm that vaping can result in oral cancer. Chemicals such as acrolein, methylglyoxal, and formaldehyde that are present in vaping products, are either carcinogenic in their own right or can change one’s DNA. The ultimately linked components of the aerosol in the vapors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing cancer.

Fortunately, You can get screened for oral cancer during a regular dental hygiene exam, regardless of whether you vape, smoke cigarettes or marijuana, or if you’ve never smoked. It only takes a few minutes and is painless. The dentist takes a biopsy if abnormal tissue or cancerous cells are seen, and sends it to a lab for analysis.

Tips for Reducing Oral Health Risks if You Vape

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to reduce the effects of dry mouth and get rid of residues.

• Maintain Regular Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss, and use an antiseptic mouthwash if you want to combat bacteria.

• Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups: A visit to the dentist regularly can let you know if you are due to fix your teeth, or if you have an early sign of gum disease or enamel erosion.

• Consider Nicotine-Free Options: Switching from a nicotine-containing vape can help reduce the blood flow restrictions upon your gums.

• Limit Sugary and Acidic Flavors: Vaping sugary vape juice can increase the chance of getting tooth decay and enamel erosion so it can be avoided.

• Use Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: This can also help counteract dry mouth and keep your mouth in a more healthy oral environment.

  
  

When do you need to see a dentist or another healthcare provider?

• Mouth ulcers or sores that don’t heal.

• toothache or mouth pain, receding gums.

• frequent dry mouth, loose teeth.

• Bleeding or swollen gums, sensitivity to temperature changes.

If you have any of the above symptoms with a fever or swelling of your face or neck you should seek emergency medical treatment.

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References

Dentiq Dental Health, October 7, 2024, How Does Vaping Affect Your Teeth and What You Can Do About It?

Written by Aaron Clarius, Medically Reviewed by Khushbu Gopalakrishnan, March 6, 2024, Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth?

Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Carly Vandergriendt on January 14, 2019, Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth? 7 Things to Know About Its Effects on Your Oral Health

Dr. David Evans DDS, May 8th, 2019, Vaping and Oral Health