Vapes are e-cigarettes introduced to provide smokers with a safe way to quit their nicotine habit. However, recent studies have suggested the dangerous implications of vaping on the body.

Contrary to popular belief, vaping has detrimental effects on health - including systemic and oral conditions. Although it doesn't contain tobacco, it still delivers a high amount of nicotine with the help of aerosol or vapour. 

While the aerosols are mistaken for harmless water vapours, this vapour contains a heavy amount of nicotine, toxic chemicals and ultrafine particles of heavy metals. These chemicals have been linked to respiratory diseases, cancers, cardiovascular disorders and poor oral health. 

E-cigarettes & Their Implications on Oral Health 

While e-cigarettes are responsible for various oral conditions, including gum diseases, tooth decay, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity and receding gums, these can contribute to tooth loss. That is the irreversible loss of teeth due to poor oral hygiene conditions. Tooth loss can result in a trifecta of problems. The loss of posterior teeth can result in an inability to chew properly. The loss of front teeth can create a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and appearance of the face. Tooth loss can also hinder speech and affect everyday activities. 

Let's take a deep dive into how certain oral conditions are contributing to tooth loss. 

Gum Diseases

The most common detrimental effect of vaping on oral health is gingival inflammation. Excessive vaping can result in swollen gingiva and bleeding gums leaving them vulnerable to infections. If the condition persists, the inflammation also involves the periodontal tissues. The bone around the tooth starts to resorb, resulting in tooth mobility. Hence, if appropriate measures are not taken, the condition soon leads to tooth loss. 

Dental Caries 

Caries are commonly a result of plaque which erodes the tooth surface with an acid attack. These sugars are the culprit behind an acid attack. Therefore, if the vape contains sugars, there is an increased chance of developing caries. A constant supply of sugar-rich vapour in the mouth gives the bacteria a breeding ground to ferment sugar and produce acid endlessly. Coupled with dry mouth, vaping can leave teeth extremely vulnerable to decay. Decay, if not treated promptly, can result in loss of tooth structure due to destruction of enamel and dentine - ultimately leading to tooth loss. 

Bone Loss

The stimulating action of nicotine can promote tooth grinding in some users. Tooth grinding can erode the enamel surface to such an extent that no enamel is left. If the habit is not halted, the consequences can lead to bone loss resulting in tooth loss. 

The Final Word

Although vaping is considered a reasonably safe option - the truth is far from it. If you are a smoker, then cutting back can protect your systemic health as well as oral health. Staying on top of the regular cleaning and checkups is another way to ensure optimum oral health.