It is well known that smoking is very harmful for you. Problems like cancers and heart disease are more likely as well as oral health issues like mouth cancer and periodontitis. The ban on smoking in public places has led to a reduction in the number of smokers over time, but unfortunately, many of these have opted to start vaping instead.
We don’t wish to discuss whether smoking or vaping is better or worse for you, although most evidence points to smoking cigarettes being the most damaging healthwise. This doesn’t give vaping a ‘free pass’ though and evidence is increasingly indicating that it can also be a potential risk to our health. Today, we would like to take a look at why we believe that vaping is best avoided for patients of our Staines dentist.
To maintain a healthy mouth, a healthy saliva flow is essential. This not only helps to break down food ready for digestion, but also flushes away small food particles and bacteria that would otherwise remain in the mouth for long periods of time. Some of the chemicals in vaping products, along with nicotine, means that xerostomia is likely to occur. This also means that there is likely to be a build up of both sugars and the bacteria that use the sugars for fuel. If this situation continues, there is an increased likelihood that gum disease and tooth decay may follow. This also happens with cigarettes so it appears that there is no advantage in this area of using one over the other.
While it is possible to buy nicotine free vaping products, the reality is that few people do so. Most vapers are probably ex smokers who see this as a healthier way to ‘enjoy’ the effect that nicotine has on them. Unfortunately, nicotine can cause problems for our general health, including increasing blood pressure and narrowing of the arteries. It is this latter issue especially which makes it problematic for our oral health. While we think of arteries and blood vessels being in the larger parts of our body such as the arms and legs, they are also everywhere else and that includes our gums.
When you smoke or vape, the nicotine causes these tiny blood vessels to narrow and this reduces the flow of blood to that area, along with depriving it of oxygen. Gum disease is likely to occur which could, in the latter stages of periodontitis, even lead to tooth loss. Infections are also more likely and can cause complications following an invasive procedure. In some cases, such as dental implant placements, it could potentially cause them to fail. Treatments such as extractions may not only become infected, but take longer to heal as well.
We have already mentioned that saliva flow is likely to be reduced if we vape, and this reduction in saliva is likely to mean that our mouth becomes a more acidic environment and this can damage the enamel exterior of our teeth. Erosion and a general weakening of the enamel will make us more vulnerable to tooth decay. This is likely to be worsened by the fact that many vaping materials aim for a younger market with sweeter tastes and therefore contain sweetening ingredients including sugars.
From an aesthetic point of view, the chemicals used in vapes can also trap staining materials on the teeth, making them appear discoloured. This can usually be rectified at the Clarence Dental Practice Staines by using either a teeth whitening procedure or dental veneers, but is best avoided by not vaping at all.
While it is true that most vape explosions have occurred in the pocket, rather than during use, this isn’t always the case. There have been rare fatalities and serious injuries such as sight loss when this happens. Inevitably, teeth will also be at risk should this occur. While it is better to avoid this risk by quitting altogether, you should probably use a reliable supplier rather than cheap and unreliable products. This may not eliminate the problem altogether but should help if you insist on continuing to vape.
Vaping appears to be here to stay, at least for now, although the health risks associated with it may mean that legislation is produced to make it less appealing, especially to younger people. We do recommend that if any of our Staines patients currently smoke, they seek help to quit, both for their oral health and their general health too.
In summary then, vaping may have fewer health risks than smoking cigarettes, although it has to be said that research is ongoing and could yet reverse this. Whether cigarettes or vapes though, smoking is going to have a negative impact on your teeth and gums and we strongly recommend that you do all that you can to quit.
For further information on smoking/vaping related oral health matters or to book an appointment at our Staines clinic, please call the Clarence Dental Practice today on 01784 463 695. We are here to help.
Address: 21a Clarence Street, Staines upon Thames, Surrey, TW18 4SU
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