Saskatoon Dental Group is a locally owned, full-scale Saskatoon dental clinic offering general dentistry services. At Saskatoon Dental Group, we are dedicated to offering excellent care to our amazing patients who are like family to us. We are grateful to treat whole families in Saskatoon across multiple generations, and have a multicultural team speaking multiple languages. In our latest dental tip we discuss the facts about vaping & oral health.
Vaping & Oral Health: The Facts
The use of e-cigarettes is commonly referred to as vaping. Vaping works by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol that the user inhales. This liquid is made up of harmful chemicals that negatively impact oral health. Read on to discover the negative effects vaping has on oral health.
Nicotine Contained in Vape Liquid Negatively Effects Oral Health
The vape liquid or juice used in vaping devices contains compounds that can harm oral health. Nicotine is a compound vape liquid contains that is known to restrict blood flow to the gums. It is also known to impact the mouth’s ability to replenish gum tissue and fight infection. This causes gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Further, Nicotine is known to cause tooth discoloration. Even if vape juice does not contain nicotine, there are other compounds it contains that have negative effects on oral health.
Propylene Glycol Contained in Vape Liquid is Toxic to Oral Health
Propylene glycol (PG) is a harmful ingredient vape juice contains. Although PG is safe to inhale, this ingredient breaks down into acids that damage tooth enamel. Propylene Glycol is also harmful as it depletes saliva. Saliva is necessary to prevent dry mouth, gum sores, and tooth decay. Although drinking water can rehydrate the mouth to a certain degree, it is not a replacement for saliva. Saliva is crucial to protect teeth from Streptococcus mutans; the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Overall, Propylene glycol is an ingredient vape juice contains that perpetuates tooth decay and damages oral health.
Vegetable Glycerin Causes Bacteria to Stick to Teeth
Another compound vape liquid contains is Vegetable Glycerin (VG). VG is a sticky liquid that adds sweetness. VG enables Streptococcus mutans to stick to grooves on the surfaces of the teeth. When VG is mixed with flavouring, the likelihood that it will stick to the teeth increases. Further, flavourings vape juice contains are known to decrease the firmness of tooth enamel. Vegetable glycerin creates the perfect conditions for tooth decay to be present, damaging oral health.
Lithium Batteries Found in Vaping Devices May Overheat and Explode
The vape or e-cigarette itself and the mechanisms it contains can be very harmful. Some vaping devices contain a lithium battery that has been known to explode due to misuse or improper care. Vaping devices that overheat or explode cause extensive damage and burns to the mouth and face.
Although a consistent oral hygiene routine can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it is not enough to avoid the negative effects of vaping.
Set a good example for your children, and discourage the use of vaping and e-cigarettes to protect their oral health. If you have questions regarding vaping and oral health, be sure to discuss them with your dentist or hygienist.
Remember that good oral health habits start at home and we encourage you to visit us once a year for a full checkup and examination. Oral health is closely tied to your overall health and wellness and often we can identify issues before they become problems.
We are always welcoming patients looking for a new dental family. If you would like to book a checkup or if you have any dental questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
See you soon!
The Saskatoon Dental Group Team
