How Vaping Affects Dental Health

Using e-cigarettes, referred to as vaping, works by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol that the user inhales.

Reasons individuals vape include the following :

• Smoking cessation
• Believing that vaping is less harmful than cigarettes
• Circumvention of smoke free areas
• Recreational enjoyment

• Propylene glycol - the main inhalant “carrier” that breaks down in the mouth to lactic and acetic acid which is toxic to tooth structure. It also is hygroscopic which bonds to saliva drying out the mouth frequently leading to gum disease
• Vegetable glycerin and flavorings - Slightly sweet products that actually decrease enamel hardness and increase biofilm formation on teeth . Normal decay producing bacteria in the mouth sticks to this biofilm and with the softer enamel causes decay.
• Nicotine - Although the percentage of nicotine is lower than traditional tobacco products, one electronic cartridge (200-400 puffs) can equal the smoking of two to three packs of regular cigarettes. Nicotine is well known to cause soft tissue damage resulting in a higher chance of developing gum disease and tooth loss.