E-cigarettes — commonly referred to as “vapes” — were introduced in 2003 with the intention of helping people quit smoking by transitioning them to something safer. Ironically, vaping has become an addictive behavior in its own right, accompanied by a wide range of health risks.
While vaping may help some people quit smoking, the vape juice (e-liquid) used in vaping devices to create an inhalable vapor contains harmful substances — such as volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, flavorings linked to lung disease and the highly addictive nicotine. Moreover, vaping has been taken up by many teenagers and young adults who’ve never smoked tobacco cigarettes, or in addition to existing tobacco use.
In short, vaping isn’t harmless. But how bad is it for your dental health? Research suggests that vaping may have several adverse effects on the mouth, teeth and gums — some of which are similar to those caused by traditional tobacco smoking.
How Vaping Damages Teeth and Gums
Some of the primary consequences of vaping include the following, provided courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists, Fit To Smile Dental and Olympic View Dental:
Dry mouth — Vaping can contribute to dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes can decrease saliva production, leading to a dry, uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids and preventing tooth decay.
Gum irritation — The chemicals in e-liquids — particularly flavorings and additives — may irritate the gums and soft tissues in the mouth. Prolonged exposure to these irritants can lead to inflammation, redness, and discomfort in the gums. In severe cases, gum irritation may progress to gum (periodontal) disease, characterized by gum recession, bleeding and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.
Increased risk of cavities — Vaping has been associated with an increased risk of tooth decay. The sweet flavorings used in e-liquids can attract bacteria that produce acid, leading to the erosion of tooth enamel. Additionally, nicotine in vape juice may contribute to the development of cavities by reducing saliva production and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Mouth sores — Some people who vape may develop mouth sores — including canker sores and ulcers. These sores can be painful and may interfere with eating, drinking and speaking. While the exact cause of these sores is not fully understood, it’s believed that irritation from aerosol or chemical exposure may play a role.
Delayed healing process — Because vaping impacts blood flow and can trigger an inflammatory response, it may slow down recovery from dental cleanings, extractions, or other interventions — especially in people already dealing with periodontal disease.
Tooth discoloration — Vape juice contains nicotine, which is a known stain-causing agent. When nicotine comes into contact with teeth, it oxidizes and forms a yellow film on the enamel. This film can build up over time, leading to yellowing of the teeth. In addition to nicotine, other chemicals in e-liquids — such as propylene glycol and flavorings — can also contribute to tooth discoloration. The heat generated by vaping can further damage the enamel and make it more susceptible to staining.
Impact on dental work — Vaping may also have implications for individuals with dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or dental implants. The chemicals in e-liquids can interact with dental materials, potentially causing damage or compromising the longevity of dental work.
Possible increased risk for oral cancer — Although more research is needed, early indications from dental professionals suggest that some ingredients in vaping products may play a role in the development of oral cancer, similar to the risks seen with long-term cigarette smokers.
Chemicals in Vape Aerosols That are Most Harmful to Oral Tissues
Studies have identified numerous harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol. When inhaled, the following are among the chemicals that come into contact with oral tissues, potentially causing irritation, inflammation and the other adverse effects listed earlier:
Nicotine — Reduces blood flow to gums, which impairs healing and overall gum health; weakens the immune defenses in the mouth, making tissues more vulnerable to infection. Additionally, nicotine may contribute to dry mouth, which can promote bacterial growth and tooth decay.
Propylene glycol — When heated, it can break down into acidic compounds like acetic acid and lactic acid. These acids degrade tooth enamel and are soft tissue irritants, increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein — These are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals that can form when the e-liquid heats up, posing an increased risk of oral cancer.
Heavy metals and volatile byproducts — Vapes can contain heavy metals like lead, nickel, chromium and manganese, which can be released into the aerosol from the heating coils and other metal components. Studies have detected these toxic metals in vape emissions, with some samples exceeding health-based inhalation limits. In addition to increasing the possibility of soft tissue damage, they can pose such serious health risks as cancer, respiratory diseases, and neurological damage.
Glycerin — When mixed with flavorings, glycerin can promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria on tooth enamel, increasing the risk of decay.
Flavorings and sweeteners — These ingredients can coat teeth, feeding cavity-causing bacteria — which, in turn, produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Certain flavorings — such as diacetyl — can be irritating to oral tissues. Some flavoring compounds have been found to be cytotoxic or inflammatory when exposed to oral cells in laboratory studies. Moreover, certain flavorings —such as cinnamon and menthol — have been associated with increased cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in oral tissues. Keep in mind that many of the chemical flavorings in vape juices are not well-researched for inhaling.
How Vapers Can Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If you accept the health risks of vaping and choose to continue — or if you’re trying to quit, but find it difficult because of nicotine’s addictive nature — it is essential to be proactive with your oral care program and schedule regular dental checkups to prevent or delay oral health problems, as well as to be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Disclose your vaping to your dentist so that you can be monitored for changes that indicate periodontal disease or other conditions.
Dentists recommend taking the following steps:
Practice good oral hygiene — Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day to protect against tooth decay.
Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain saliva production and keep your mouth moist to counteract dry mouth from propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in vaping products.
Limit sugary and acidic products — Avoid acidic or sugary foods and drinks, which can worsen tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Clean your mouth after vaping — Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free therapeutic mouthwash or swish water to help cleanse your mouth after using an e-cigarette. Therapeutic mouthwashes have active ingredients that kill bacteria and can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities and bad breath. Those that contain fluoride help prevent or reduce tooth decay. Our blog post — “Is Mouthwash Necessary?” — covers different types of mouthwash, their active ingredients and how to choose the best one for your needs — in greater detail.
Look for warning signs — If you experience bleeding gums, ongoing tooth sensitivity, or any unusual oral tissue changes, do not wait for your next dental examination! Schedule an appointment immediately.
Choose wisely — If you continue vaping, try to avoid flavored e-liquids with sweet flavors, and know their nicotine content.
The Take-Home Message
Vaping isn’t as harmful as smoking tobacco, but is not without risks to general health and oral health. Whatever your choice on vaping — or smoking — our NK Family Dental team is here to help, not preach. It is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.
Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.
We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!
We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.
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