20 Aug Is Vaping Better for My Teeth Than Smoking?
Vaping is an increasingly popular habit, but many people who vape are starting to wonder how it’s affecting their teeth. Common questions include, “Is vaping better for my teeth than smoking? Will it harm my oral health at all?”
Even though e-cigarettes were created to be a healthier alternative to smoking, they still pose risks to your dental health. The inventor was a former deputy director at the Institute of Chinese Medicine who wanted to provide a smokeless cigarette experience.
But while it’s true that vape pens don’t produce smoke, when you vape, you’re still inhaling a mix of chemicals and nicotine. These substances can have detrimental effects on your oral health, causing dry mouth, staining your teeth, and more. We explain how vaping can be bad for your teeth, even if it’s not as bad as smoking.
Your Oral Health and Vaping
Vaping may have some advantages over smoking in terms of oral health, such as less staining, no tar, and fewer chemicals. But in reality it still poses some serious risks that you should know about.
Gum Disease
Just like smoking, vaping also causes side effects like dry mouth and inflammation. These conditions often lead to gum disease, which is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. You should never ignore any of the signs of gum disease. The sooner you treat the condition, the easier it will be to manage it and prevent it from worsening.
Are your gums red, puffy, and sore? Do they bleed when you floss? Do you have persistent bad breath? If so, you most likely have gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Unless you seek treatment, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis, an irreversible condition.
Teeth Stains
Vapes also contain nicotine, which will stain your teeth no matter how you inhale it. Whether it’s in smoke or vapor, nicotine will gradually turn your teeth yellow. This effect doesn’t happen as quickly with vapes as it does with cigarettes, but it can still cause permanent damage. Quitting will help prevent stains, but you may still need cosmetic whitening treatments to restore the brightness of your smile.
Are Cigarettes Worse Than Vapes?
Yes—cigarettes are generally considered to be worse for your teeth than vaping. One study found that cigarette smokers had higher instances of plaque buildup than vape users, and smokers also reported more gum pain. However, using vapes as a cigarette alternative is not a perfect solution.
Side effects of vaping include:
- Dry mouth
- Throat irritation
- Itchy or uncomfortable gums
- Respiratory issues
- Raised blood pressure or heart rate
- Headaches or disruptions in sleep patterns
Because of these side effects, problems like gum disease, stained teeth, tooth decay and tooth loss are all more common in people who smoke or vape. Neither habit is good for your teeth. Whether you vape or smoke cigarettes, quitting will benefit your oral health.
Dental Care for Stained Teeth, Gum Disease, and Other Conditions
Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti Dental Associates excel at treating gum disease, restoring smiles, and whitening teeth stained from nicotine. We have been restoring smiles in the Sun Lakes community for over 30 years. We provide gentle teeth cleanings and non-surgical gum disease treatments, as well as restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
If you’re concerned about how vaping might be affecting your oral health, give us a call at 480-895-2111 to make an appointment today.
Photo by Rubén Bagüés from Unsplash on 7.23.2024 | used under the creative commons license