ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND IMPACT OF VAPING ON ORAL HEALTH

Over the past few years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained significant popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking.
While praised as a less harmful alternative to tobacco smoking and potentially aiding in smoking cessation, concerns have arisen about their impact on oral health.

In this week’s blog from Dental Center 4Smile, read about how the use of e-cigarettes can affect your oral health.

WHAT ARE E-CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO HEATING DEVICES?

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine, flavors, and other chemicals. Heating the liquid produces vapor that users inhale.
On the other hand, tobacco heating devices heat real tobacco within a specific temperature range, using an electronic heat control system to prevent combustion.

Although there are several types of e-cigarettes, they are all designed with the same goal – to reduce the harmfulness of the habit of smoking cigarettes.
Namely, e-cigarettes really do not contain numerous chemicals that are usually found in traditional cigarettes. However, they are not without risks either – especially when it comes to oral health!

EFFECTS OF E-CIGARETTE USE ON ORAL HEALTH:

Dry Mouth and Reduced Saliva Production:

One of the primary oral health concerns associated with e-cigarettes is dry mouth. The process of heating liquids and tobacco in e-cigarettes can lead to dehydration and reduced saliva flow. Dehydration and lack of saliva compromise the mouth’s natural defense mechanism against oral bacteria.

Saliva plays an important role in neutralizing acids, washing away food particles and preventing caries. Consequently, dry mouth can pave the way for a range of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

Inflammation and Gum Diseases (Gingivitis and Periodontitis):

Research has shown that e-cigarettes can contribute to increased inflammation and gum disease.

Namely, chemical ingredients in e-cigarette liquids, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, can irritate oral tissues, leading to inflammation and sensitivity of the gums.

Long-term exposure to these irritants can result in gingivitis.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which leaves irreversible damage to your smile – in the later stages, even tooth loss.

Impact on Oral Microbiome:

Oral microbiome, also known as oral flora, refers to the diverse community of bacteria and microorganisms that live in our mouths.
Maintaining a healthy balance of these microorganisms is essential for oral health!

Since e-cigarettes produce an aerosol, they change the oral microbiome and thus potentially favor the growth of harmful bacteria and disrupt the balance.
Disrupting the balance of microorganisms in the oral cavity, which is very sensitive to changes, also contributes to an increase in the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.

Nicotine:

Although e-cigarettes do not contain many of the harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine – a harmful and highly addictive substance.
Nicotine restricts blood flow and affects oral tissue health, reducing the body’s ability to heal oral wounds and increasing the risk of infection.

In addition, nicotine can narrow the blood vessels, which leads to poorer blood supply to the gums and thus worsening of gum disease.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SMILE WITH E-CIGARETTES?

Despite being marketed as a safer alternative, the impact of e-cigarettes on oral health should not be ignored. Risks include dry mouth, inflammation, gum diseases, oral microbiome disruption, and the harmful effects of nicotine.

It’s crucial to note that the full impact of e-cigarette use and tobacco heating devices is not yet fully explored, and their potential consequences will become clearer in the future.

Reducing or quitting e-cigarette use can be a vital step in preserving overall oral well-being and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile in the years to come.

Whether you smoke or not, prioritize your oral health by staying informed, adopting proper oral hygiene practices, and seeking timely professional dental care.

Visit Dental Center 4Smile for regular tartar cleaning and sandblasting with Dr. Ivan Antolković or Dr. Mia Radić, and help your smile stay healthy! Even if you are a patient coming from abroad, our professional team will take care of organizing your trip!