If you haven’t noticed, vaping or the use of e-cigarettes have become incredibly popular in America. In fact, the US Surgeon General said that e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 900% in 2015. In total, it’s estimated that over 10 million people are vaping, with 40% of them having never used tobacco before. With these staggering numbers, it may leave you wondering whether or not it’s good for your oral health. It must be better than cigarettes, right? Keep reading to learn the ways that vaping can negatively impact your smile from an emergency dentist in Spring Hill.
E-Cigarettes and Your Teeth
Unfortunately, when you use vaporizers or e-cigarettes, you’re putting your pearly whites at risk. The hot temperatures that occur in the mouth from vaping promotes dryness. Without saliva flow to wash away regular plaque and bacteria, your teeth are at risk of cavities and decay. Plus, while studies are still being conducted, some findings have shown that certain vaporizers cause discoloration and staining just as much as traditional cigarettes.
E-Cigarettes and Your Gums
The real risk when vaping is what can occur with your gums. Studies show that e-cigarette use can trigger an inflammatory response in your gum tissue. Some swelling, puffiness, redness, and even bleeding can occur. Ongoing gum inflammation is directly associated with gum disease, which can be detrimental to your oral and overall health. Because of the dryness that vaping causes, your gums are at more risk than ever of being affected by bacteria lingering on the gumline. Bacteria that isn’t cleaned away will cause infection that can eventually lead to permanent bone damage and even tooth loss according to your dentist in Spring Hill.
How Oral Health Can Impact Overall Health
With studies continuing to come out regarding the ways that vaping affects your smile, it’s also important to note that recent research has linked oral health directly with your overall wellbeing. For example, findings now show that gum disease can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%. It can also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, strokes, and other medical issues.
Keeping this information in mind, it’s important to do all that you can to keep your mouth healthy. As research continues to be conducted on vaping, there’s no point in risking a dental emergency. Avoid the use of vaporizers or any tobacco products to keep your smile as healthy as possible.
About the Practice
At Family Dental Associates, Dr. Chapman and Dr. Kelly want their patients to have all the information they need to thrive outside of their office. That’s why they want you to know the ways that vaping can negatively impact your oral health. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (615) 302-1414.