Can Vaping Cause Gum Disease and Other Oral Health Issues? (2024)

FAQs

Can Vaping Cause Gum Disease and Other Oral Health Issues? ›

Dry mouth from vaping can make it hard for your body to naturally clear out bacteria. This excess bacteria is associated with dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. Nicotine from vaping causes gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Early symptoms include bleeding gums and bad breath.

The long-term effects of vaping are not fully known. Yet there is some evidence that vaping can cause inflammation in the mouth, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Temporary loss of taste may happen in some people (also called vape tongue).

Vaping exposes your gums to both nicotine and hot, drying vapour. It therefore also puts you at a higher risk of gum disease. Furthermore, nicotine masks the early warning signs of gum disease (swelling and bleeding when you brush).

Will My Gums Get Better If I Stop Vaping? Yes, if you stop vaping your gum health will improve. Whilst studies are limited it is thought that just like in those who quit smoking, those who quit vaping will have the same risk of developing gum disease and will respond to treatment as non-smokers.

Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk for a number of other health conditions, including: cardiovascular disease. lung infections.

Oral lesions such as nicotine stomatitis (“smoker's palate”), hairy tongue (discoloration of the tongue), and angular cheilitis (sores in the corners of the mouth) are commonly seen in the mouths of e-cigarette users.

Irritation in the Mouth

Gum tenderness, redness and swelling are some of the problems that are linked to vaping. If you're suffering from these symptoms, it may be time to reconsider the vaping option.

Vaping and Gum Disease

With less saliva in your mouth because of the mouth drying effects of vaping, plaque bacteria can multiply and an infection below the gumline can occur. Left untreated, this infection can turn into gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Changes to gum health

All participants had some gum disease at the start of the study, with cigarette smokers having the most severe disease, followed by e-cigarette users. After 6 months, the researchers observed that gum disease had worsened in some participants in each group, including several e-cigarette users.

However, while vaping might be 'healthier' than smoking, it's certainly not healthy. In fact, research suggests there is a strong link between vaping and periodontal disease. This is down to the chemicals present in e-cigarettes and how they interact with your mouth.

What does gum disease from vaping look like? ›

Nicotine from vaping causes gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Early symptoms include bleeding gums and bad breath. Gum recession from infection may be hard to spot since nicotine can reduce blood flow to the area. The gums won't appear swollen, so it is hard to tell they are actually inflamed.

All participants had some gum disease at the start of the study, with cigarette smokers having the most severe disease, followed by e-cigarette users. After six months, the researchers observed that gum disease had worsened in some participants in each group, including several e-cigarette users.”

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Causes of gum disease

Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque are harmless. But some bacteria are harmful for the health of your gums. If you don't remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums.

Gum cancer can be confused with gum disease, which is why it's important to keep up with your regular dental appointments. These types of cancers can spread quickly. Early detection is important for the best possible outcome.

Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Inflammation in the gums is linked to several different autoimmune disorders, including lupus, Crohn's disease, and scleroderma, among others. Gingivitis is a condition in which gums are inflamed and red; it's a precursor to gum disease.

The Bottom Line. While vaping may prove marginally more harmful to your teeth and gums than smoking, both practices can cause or intensify serious oral health issues. Most vapers are former smokers, perhaps trying to cut back on a cigarette habit. If they think vaping is a safer alternative, they are wrong.

Although the risk of staining teeth with vaping could be seen as lower than smoking cigarettes, it's still important to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth regularly and limiting food and drink known to cause teeth staining, such as sugary drinks, tea or coffee and berries.