Is Vaping Better Than Smoking for Oral Health?

National surveys have shown that vaping, or using e-cigarettes, is a rapidly growing trend among teens, young adults and those trying to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Many people believe that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, however there has been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping.

As a healthcare professional that is dedicated to ensuring our patients overall health and wellness is a top priority, Dr. Kile wants you to know a few things about e-cigarettes:

• E-Cigarettes are just as addictive as traditional cigarettes

Nicotine is a primary ingredient of e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. Just like traditional cigarettes it causes you to crave to smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine is a toxic substance that reduces blood flow, which in turn affects your teeth and gums. Receding gums, dry mouth, bacteria growth and tooth decay are among some of the risks associated with nicotine and your mouth. Nicotine also affects your heart, lungs and brain.

• E-cigarettes are full of harmful chemicals

Aerosol produced by e-cigarettes is often mistaken for harmless water vapor. But this vapor contains ultra-fine particles of toxic chemicals and heavy metals like lead, nickel and tin. Vitamin E acetate has also been found in vaping products which is linked to the newly identified lung disease, EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated ling injury). Other chemical like diacetyl in e-cigarettes is also linked to serious lung disease.

• E-cigarettes are a relatively new concept

While the CDC is starting to link illness and even death to e-cigarettes, modernized vaping has not been around long enough to know what type of long term damage they can cause. Early studies of vaping side effects are increasingly concerning. And until the full results are in, it is never a good idea to intentionally and habitually introduce harmful chemicals and compounds to your body without knowing the full scale of their long term effects.
 
Our team is trained and committed to explain the dangers of vaping to our patients when evidence of vaping is found during an examination, especially in young adults and teens.

If you are a smoker or vapor, stay on top of your oral health by scheduling regular dental checkups. Schedule your next appointment today!

If you wish to quit smoking or vaping there are many resources available.