For centuries, human beings have innovated new technology or products and started implementing them into their lives before really understanding the risks associated with them. Countless accidents, fatalities, injuries, and illnesses have occurred as a result, leading to new regulations about their use. The same concept applies to vaping. Originally viewed as a healthier option than traditional cigarettes, vaping became the latest craze a few years ago, and many jumped on the bandwagon, but it now appears that vaping carries many of the same risks as traditional smoking does to your oral health!
How Can Vaping Harm Your Smile?
Although the dangerous chemicals found in normal cigarettes are not included in vaping juices, this habit still comes with substantial chances of damaging your teeth and gums. The act of vaping, similar to the one you use with cigarettes, still leads to a dry mouth, which encourages bad oral bacteria to flourish. As a result, plaque and bacteria produce overwhelming acids, attacking tooth enamel to create cavities, inflaming gum tissue through gingivitis, and detaching gums from teeth in more advanced stages of gum disease. Untreated, you will eventually suffer tooth loss from this infection!
What Should You Do If You Vape to Protect Your Smile?
Ideally, you should try to stop this habit from regularly disrupting your normal schedule. If you vape from stress, consider working with a counselor on healthier stress-relieving, calming techniques to use instead. However, if you wish to continue vaping, you should mention it to your dentist at least every six months when you go in for routine dental checkups and cleanings. They won’t judge, but they need to know to keep a closer eye on your oral health and can recommend an effective hydrating mouthwash specifically to battle dry mouth.
In addition to in-office dental care, you must maintain a strong smile at home as well. Daily, you should be brushing and flossing your teeth to remove plaque, debris, and bacteria from getting stuck to your teeth in the first place! Also, you likely could benefit from drinking more water throughout the day instead of coffee, juice, soda, sports drinks, and other beverages to keep your mouth well rinsed and sugar free.
Although you won’t have to encounter tar and other compounds that can harm your lungs and other organs, vaping does contain nicotine, which means it can be addictive, and can have a profound effect on your smile. Whether you decide to vape or not, remember your mouth needs to keep functioning for the rest of your life, so choose wisely!
About the Author
At Boyles General Dentistry & Dental Implant Center, you, as a whole person, are our top priority, not just your mouth. Dr. Stephen Boyles takes time to learn about you, what matters to you, and your goals and needs. As part of your wellness team, he may share valuable insights he has gleaned from continuing education he receives every year. With us, you can rest assured that we have your best interests in mind and give you full choice of what to do with your oral healthcare. If you would like to discuss your smile with Dr. Boyles, just give our Midland office a call at 432-685-7011 or click on “Contact Us” for more details.