In 2019, the global e-cigarette market industry was estimated to be worth over $19B.
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes have become popular for their reputation as the less harmful alternative to cigarette smoking. However, vaping, or inhaling the vapor from the e-cigarette, can pose damage to the teeth, mouth, and related structures.
Because e-cigarettes are a fairly new technology, more research is needed to explore and understand their impact on oral health. But more and more studies are coming out, and we look into some of them in this post.
- Increasing Risk of Gum Disease
- E-cigarettes still contain nicotine, and no matter how it is consumed or absorbed into the body, this substance remains harmful to oral health and general health in the long run. Nicotine keeps blood from flowing normally to the gums, which increases the chances of developing periodontal disease or gum disease. In a study conducted among U.S. adults, it was found that those who used e-cigarettes every day were a little more likely to report having had a tooth pulled because of gum disease than people who never used it.
- Meanwhile, findings from another research have shown that gum disease is more prevalent among those who smoke regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes than those who don’t smoke at all.
- Slowing Down Recovery After Dental Procedures
- Nicotine is also known to slow down healing and recovery after dental procedures. Using tobacco makes it harder for the immune system to fight off diseases. It may make you more likely to get a painful dry socket after having a tooth pulled. This can happen if the blood clot moves or doesn’t form. You might also feel greater pain or soreness after oral surgery. Success rates for dental implants can also decrease if you are smoking or vaping. If you wish to have dental work performed, your dentist will need to know if you smoke, as this can affect your treatment qualifications.
- Vaping and Oral Cancer
- Tobacco is a known cause of oral cancer, especially when combined with alcohol intake. And researchers describe e-cigarettes as giving a false sense of safety among users. Chemical tests on e-cigarettes have found that they contain cancer-causing organic substances. Although the amount is smaller in an e-cigarette than in a regular cigarette, avoiding smoking of any form still helps. Since vaping is a relatively new trend, its link to oral cancer has not been studied in-depth yet, but a case shows that it can cause cancer. As per researchers, understanding its short-term and long-term health risks further would help raise awareness, especially among young users.
Protect Your Oral Health by Avoiding or Quitting Smoking Altogether
There’s no safer alternative to smoking. The best way to protect your oral health is to stop smoking. Even though it may take some time to break the habit, it’ll benefit your finances, oral health, mental wellness, and overall health.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Mckenzie Towne Family Dental if you require smoking cessation advice or support in Southeast Calgary, Alberta. Our staff maintains a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to keep patients safe and at ease. We’re here to listen and help you protect your oral health.