As dentists, people often believe that we are solely concerned if our patients wash and floss their teeth on a regular basis. Although we value proper at-home dental care, we are aware that there are other factors that affect oral health than brushing and flossing, such as smoking and vaping.
Because of this, even if electronic cigarettes are thought to be a safe substitute, we would want to talk to you about the negative consequences they have on dental health.
E-cigarettes: What Are They?
An e-cigarette is a portable electronic device that heats a liquid, usually composed of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavorings, to produce an aerosol. This aerosol is inhaled by e-cigarette users, a practice known as “vaping.
What Makes People Vape?
Vaping is a common strategy used by cigarette users to stop smoking. Vaping has long been seen as a healthier option to smoking since e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco. But research is starting to indicate that it’s not exactly a harmless habit.
What Impact Does Vaping Have on My Health?
Vaping has the same detrimental health impacts as smoking. Even though e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, they nevertheless contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that, when used, has a variety of harmful consequences. According to a study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology, nicotine may have a major role in the onset of periodontitis and gingivitis. Furthermore, using nicotine might actually conceal the adverse effect of bleeding gums, which makes diagnosing gingivitis more challenging.
According to a research comparing regular e-cigarette users with non-users, e-cigarette users had higher levels of oxidative stress and adrenaline in their hearts, two conditions that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks, gum disease, and strokes. Regretfully, not all vaping is bad for you.
The mouth is where the vapor is most concentrated and heated since it is where it goes initially. One of the most common complaints regarding e-cigarette side effects is “mouth and throat dryness and irritation.” In a different study, scientists positioned oral cells in a chamber and then pumped in vapor from e-cigarettes to observe the effects. Fifty-three percent of the oral cells were dead or dying after three days. In contrast, the mortality rate for oral cells that were not exposed to the vapor from e-cigarettes was only 2%.
The significant risk of e-cigarettes overcharging and exploding has also been experienced by users. There have been several reports of e-cigarettes exploding while being used, hurting the tongue, cheeks, and lips in addition to knocking out teeth. In order to restore their once-beautiful smile, substantial dental, cosmetic, and surgical treatment is necessary.
What Is the Difference Between Smoking and Vaping?
We don’t have any long-term studies comparing e-cigarettes with traditional cigarettes because the former haven’t been around as long. However, a recent research by experts financed by Cancer Research UK found that individuals who switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement treatment had far lower amounts of carcinogens and harmful compounds in their blood.
E-cigarettes are not a safe substitute, despite what many people prefer to think. It only indicates that they might not be as harmful as actual cigarettes. However, before anything can be asserted with certainty, further study is needed.
What About Quitting Smoking Using E-Cigarettes?
People all too frequently go from one addiction to another. This also applies to cigarette addictions; many people develop an addiction to e-cigarettes as a result. Our expert advice is to abstain from vaping completely as it harms both your general health and your dental health.
Speaking about cigarettes, it is crucial that smokers see their dentist on a regular basis so that their mouth health may be tracked. Your overall health is our first priority, and quitting smoking is the ultimate aim.