With recent reports of vaping causing potentially fatal lung illness, known as VAPI (vaping-associated pulmonary illness), more people are starting to think twice before they vape. Although lung damage is a new side effect researchers are exploring, teeth can also face consequences. Before you pick up a vape to use for nicotine, marijuana or CBD, it’s important to understand the effects it may have on your oral health in addition to your lungs.

Vaping Effects on Teeth and Gums

It’s no surprise that vaping is harmful to your teeth and gums. When you inhale, the first place the smoke hits is your teeth and gums. From there, it goes down into your lungs to do more damage. One of the first ways vaping affects your teeth and gums is by creating excess bacteria. According to a recent study in 2018, teeth exposed to aerosol from vape products had more bacteria than teeth that weren’t. The study found more bacteria in the deeper pits and crevices of teeth. Bacteria often results in tooth decay, gum diseases, and cavities.

Dry mouth has also been a side effect of vaping. More specifically, vapes that use propylene glycol can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth is associated with tooth decay, bad breath, and mouth sores.

Studies also concluded that smoking e-cigarettes can cause inflammation in the gums. Inflamed gums usually go hand in hand with gum disease and other periodontal diseases. Vaping can also lead to overall irritation of the mouth and throat.

You might also experience discolored teeth or stains, or find yourself grinding your teeth at night as a result of vaping.

How Does Vaping Compare to Smoking Cigarettes?

If you’re wondering you should switch back to smoking cigarettes because vaping has so many health risks, you’re not right. Although vaping isn’t good for your health, it still poses far fewer risks to your health than smoking cigarettes.

Next Steps

If you continue to vape, Dr. Appolon highly recommends that you keep an eye on your oral health. If you notice any receding gums, inflammation, tenderness, bleeding gums, bad breath, mouth sores, or anything else out of the ordinary, you should visit us immediately. If you would like to benefit your oral and lung health the most, try to quit vaping for good.

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Appolon at our Midtown Manhattan dental office for a dental exam by calling 212-557-8668 or sending us an email.