E-Cigs Could be Just as Hazardous for Your Teeth and Gums as Cigarettes

More than 20 million people in the United States use electronic cigarettes or e-cigs as an alternative to tobacco smoking. While many users believe "vaping" is a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes, recent research into the health effects of e-cigs could put a damper on that belief. There's particular concern among dentists that this popular habit could harm users' dental health.
E-cigs are made with a chamber that holds the liquid vaping solution and a heating mechanism to heat the liquid and vaporize it. Users inhale the vapor, which contains nicotine and flavorings, as they would a traditional cigarette.
The nicotine alone can be problematic for dental health as we'll see in a moment. But the vapor also contains aerosols that some research indicates could damage the inner skin linings of the mouth in a similar fashion to the smoke of traditional cigarettes. One study by researchers with the Université Laval in Quebec, Canada found evidence that e-cig vapor increased the death rate of mouth cells, and led to greater cell irregularities over time.
According to other studies, there's evidence that e-cig vapor may disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome, the communities of both beneficial and harmful bacteria that normally live in the mouth. The imbalance in favor of more harmful bacteria could increase the risk for dental disease, particularly periodontal (gum) disease.
Finally, nicotine from e-cigs seemed to create similar conditions in the mouth as it does with tobacco. Nicotine in any form can constrict blood vessels and reduce the body's ability to fight infection and to heal. Research indicates both forms of nicotine increase the risk for dental disease and make treatment more difficult.
These findings only identify conditions created by e-cigs that could be problematic for future dental health. Although we don't fully understand the long-term health effects of this new habit, based on the evidence so far the mouth may not fare so well. It's looking like e-cigs may be no safer for your teeth and gums than the cigarettes they replace.
If you would like more information on the health risks of electronic cigarettes, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Comments:
Find Us
122 Kenoza Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-374-7942
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (73)
- teeth whitening (3)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- tooth wear (2)
- mouthguards (6)
- dental injuries (1)
- fillings (2)
- oral health (31)
- crown (1)
- dental injury (9)
- root canal (5)
- dental implants (26)
- laser dentistry (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- orthodontics (3)
- diabetes (4)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- gum disease (7)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- crowns (5)
- orthodontic treatment (5)
- braces (5)
- oral hygiene (27)
- periodontal disease (1)
- diabetic (1)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- dental anxiety (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- flossing (1)
- bonding (2)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- bad breath (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- dental care (2)
- oral sedation (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- pediatric dentistry (6)
- tooth decay (8)
- tmj disorders (4)
- dentures (6)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- dry mouth (2)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- veneers (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- retainers (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- thumb sucking (2)
- halloween (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- smile makeover (4)
- hiv (1)
- nutrition (6)
- oral cancer (3)
- bone grafting (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- toothache (4)
- partial denture (1)
- shingles (1)
- GERD (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- osteoporosis (2)
- cancer (1)
- bacteria (1)
- extraction (1)
- removable partial denture (2)
- jaw pain (2)
- x-rays (1)
- cold sore (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- dental implant (5)
- toothbrush (1)
- plaque (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- saliva (1)
- root canal treatment (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- (1)