Vaping and Your Oral Health

Vaping is not safer than tobacco products. Sometimes it’s even worse.

For example, people who vape have even more gum disease than people who use tobacco, says research by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. And some vape formulas may be highly cancer-causing - especially sweet flavors, says the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.

Vaping Hurts Your Gums and Teeth

Vaping is harmful to the whole body, including the teeth and gums. For example, vaping makes gums swell, which can lead to oral disease. Dry mouth is another common problem.

Vape users are also more likely to get cavities, according to The Archives of Orofacial Sciences. Vaping creates bone defects around teeth, including already fractured teeth. And e-cigarette users’ gums swell and bleed because of vapor chemicals and flavoring, whether the product has nicotine or not.

Nicotine in e-cigarettes restricts blood vessels and lessens blood flow to the gums, which can make gums recede. Lower blood circulation limits your mouth’s natural ability to fight against bacteria. That can speed up the process for infection, decay and other problems.

The nicotine high is more habit-forming than cocaine or heroin, according to UCLA Health. Nicotine can affect how the brain grows and forms during the teen years and into the mid-20s. It's important for families to discuss these dangers, especially with teens.

Free Help to Quit Vaping 

Adults:

• Visit Smokefree.gov’s quit-vaping page
• Talk to a quit counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-877-44U-QUIT
• Download the quitSTART app

Teens and young adults:

• Text QUIT to 47848
• Text DITCHVAPE to 88709