Cigarette smoking can bring severe damage to your oral health. It stains your teeth due to its nicotine and tar content, and it affects your gums, making them weak and unable to heal themselves. 

How about if, instead of tobacco, you use vape or electronic cigarettes? Will they make a difference? If these are the questions in your mind, here is what you need to know.

Understanding Vaping

Electronic cigarettes are different from traditional cigarettes. They may be safer alternatives, but they still have their fair share of potential health risks! Just because you are using them does not mean you are healthier. 

Here are some facts about vaping that could help you understand the habit better.

  • Not all vapes contain nicotine, but some still carry it. 
  • Aside from nicotine, the e-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful substances, such as diacetyl in its flavouring, which could lead to serious lung disease.  
  • Its usage still poses potential long-term side effects, such as reproductive issues, heart attack, stroke, and lung injuries. 

Aside from these health damages, vaping could also affect your oral health as well. 

How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health

Here are the different ways vaping can damage your overall dental health:

  • It can dry your mouth.
  • Being exposed to e-cigarette aerosol can open up your mouth to more bacteria, and bacteria buildup leads to tooth decay, gum diseases, and cavities. 
  • It can lead to gum disease, which includes receding gums, irritated or bleeding gums, halitosis, loss of teeth, or swollen gums.
  • Using nicotine-filled e-cigarettes could still stain your teeth.
  • Failing gums could lead to plaque accumulation.
  • Other threats could occur in the form of thicker saliva, cell death, cavities, and mouth sores.

How to Take Care of Your Oral Health: Tips for Vapers

While avoiding smoking, in general, is the best way to keep your mouth healthy, it is not viable for some. Following these tips can help you improve your situation: 

  • Limit your vape use: If you cannot fully stop yourself from vaping, consider limiting it. 
  • Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink enough water to continuously stimulate your salivary flow. 
  • Use fluoride toothpaste: When brushing your teeth, consider using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen them further. Make sure to brush them thoroughly and not speed through the process.
  • Do not forget to floss: There is a unique flossing technique for smokers. Make sure to ask your dentist about this. 
  • Visit your dentist regularly: Make sure to have your dentist check your mouth condition regularly. That way you could monitor its condition and prevent any problems. 
  • Keep an eye on your teeth: Make personal observations of your teeth. If you notice any problems or experience any pain, make sure to notify your dentist as soon as you can.

Conclusion 

Whether traditional or through electronic cigarettes, any form of smoking could bring harm to your oral and overall health. The best way to ensure better health is to avoid doing any of them—but if it is a habit you cannot stop, always remember to maintain good dental hygiene and conduct regular oral health check-ups. 

If you are looking for a trusted dentist in Edmonton, visit us at Edmonton Smiles. We are committed to providing our clients with the best possible care and being their life-long dental health partners. Book an appointment with us today! 

Posted in Dental News & Advice