Vaping and Oral Health: Insights from a Dental Hygienist
- janrdhap
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
During my summer travels this year, I had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the globe. As a dental hygienist, I noticed the widespread prevalence of vaping, prompting me to reflect on its rising popularity, the motives behind it, and the associated health impacts.
Information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that adults, especially former smokers, try vaping because they perceive it as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking or as a method to help quit smoking. Adolescents are often influenced by curiosity, appealing flavors, social influence, and the desire to fit in. Regardless of age, nicotine addiction remains a primary reason people choose to vape and continue to vape.
While vaping can be helpful, for some people, in reducing or quitting traditional cigarette use, it is not without risks. The act of vaping mimics the sensation and rituals associated with smoking, which can satisfy cravings for nicotine. However, vaping introduces its own set of health dangers, including serious and potentially life-threatening issues such as lung disease, heart disease, mental health challenges, and addiction. The substances inhaled, called aerosols or “vapors,” contain ultrafine particles and chemicals (eww!). Researchers are still working to fully understand the long-term consequences of inhaling these vapors.
Vaping can also have a significant negative impact on oral health. Vaping can contribute to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and oral discomfort. Those who vape often present with more severe damage to periodontal tissues. Vaping increases levels of bacterial plaque, deeper gum pockets and considerable alveolar bone loss, clear indicators of periodontal disease. This harm results from multiple factors, such as changes in saliva’s pH, altered immune responses in the gums and the direct toxic effects of chemicals on oral tissues. The consequence is an elevated risk of gum disease, which may result in premature tooth loss. (We don't want that!)
Vaping is just as addictive as smoking traditional cigarettes and quitting can be tough! If you don’t vape, it is best not to start. If you do vape and wish to quit, consult your primary care provider or oral health provider, who can help you set achievable goals and connect you with resources. Support is available every step of the way. We are here to help!
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