How Does Smoking and Vaping Affect Teeth?

Do you know the effects of smoking and vaping on teeth? Some studies show that vaping can actually harm your oral health. Smoke from traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes damages dental enamel due to their harshness.  Acids in smoke solutions break down proteins which are essential for maintaining current tooth structure as we age; they also contribute more risk factors towards erosion than anything else.

Vaping 101

Vaping is an alternative smoking device making its way to popularity with vaping liquids becoming more widely available in many different flavors. Vaping is associated with electronic cigarettes which release vapor instead of smoke, leaving no ash behind. While vaping has not been around long enough for researchers to determine vaping’s precise effect on the body, vaping liquid is known  to contain chemicals like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin along with food flavorings and nicotine that are harmful to the body.

Effects of Vaping on the Mind and Body

At this point, vaping has already been linked to a number of effects on the mind and body including damage to lungs, increased risk for lung infections, increased risk for heart attacks, bad breath, sinus irritation, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, nausea, teeth damage, and vomiting. In addition, vaping has been identified as a possible gateway to smoking for teens.

Harmful Chemicals & Teeth Risks

Vaping harmful chemicals like nicotine, tobacco, pesticides and other toxins can also be damaging to the mouth. Nicotine is known to cause tooth sensitivity , dry mouth, and gum disease. Damage from vaping comes in the form of stains, bad breath, plaque build-up, cavities, discoloration or yellowing of teeth, gum recession or inflammation  along with increased risk for tooth loss .

High Sugar Content

Candied fruit vaping flavors may damage your teeth because they are high in sugar content. The safest vaping flavors are typically fruits that have low sugar levels including lemons, limes, grapefruit, pomegranate, and cranberry.

Vaping Just As Bad for Teeth as Cigarettes

Many vaping devices can be just as bad for teeth as traditional cigarettes and do not contain filters with the exception of vaping pens that may have a filter that is usually made from fiber or metal mesh. The vaping device also has an effect on vaping’s effect on teeth as vaping devices such as tank systems, vape mods, and vaping pens can produce hot spots which increase acidity levels .

Most Common Oral Issues from Vaping

The most common problems associated with vaping include dental erosions caused by acids found in vaping liquids, oral infections including those caused by bacterial growth, dry mouth, red gums, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. Those who vape and smoke are more likely to suffer from these effects than those who only vape.

Effects of Traditional Cigarettes on Teeth

• Yellow, brown or orange teeth
• Plaque accumulation
• Gum disease

Effects of Vaping

• Tooth discoloration or stains  (brown, black or yellow)
• Bad breath/halitosis
• Gum disease and inflammation (including gingivitis and periodontitis which can lead to tooth loss.)
• Plaque build up along with increased risk for cavities.
• Xerostomia or dry mouth
• Candida yeast infections
• Oral cancer
•  Decreased immune system function
• Mucosal issues such as leukoplakia, lichen planus and hairy tongue

Teeth damaged by vaping typically have severe enamel erosion that leads to exposed and weakened tooth roots. Without enamel, teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay and the effects of acid wear on teeth. The exposed root surface makes it easier for plaque bacteria to colonize and leads to an increase in bacterial infections that can cause abscesses.

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