10 Aug A lot of hot air!!

Don’t be fooled into thinking that what looks like steam is a safe alternative to cigarette smoke.

Its well known that smoking cigarettes causes permanent damage to your teeth and gums. With a new trend emerging, especially with younger folks, it’s important to ask “does vaping cause damage to your teeth?”

There is a massive e-cigarette trend passing throughout our country that is being touted as a healthier and safer alternative to cigarette use. Although that is believable at first thought, as you aren’t inhaling the traditional tar and other contaminants that are found in cigarettes, vaping is by no means safer to use.

Let me answer some frequently asked questions:

Is it safer for me to use e-cigarettes than normal cigarettes?

No, there is a lack of evidence to say it is safer. e-cigarettes have more adverse outcomes than non-smoking, and similar or less health risks than conventional cigarettes.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. The term is used because e-cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, but rather an aerosol, often mistaken for water vapor, that actually consists of fine particles.

The e-liquid in vaporizer products usually contains a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine-based liquid with nicotine, flavouring and other chemicals and metals, but not tobacco. Many of these particles that are inhaled contain varying amounts of toxic chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, as well as respiratory and heart disease. To say that vaping is healthier than cigarette smoking should be reconsidered. As the number of vaping related illnesses continue to increase, we also need to consider what type of effect this has on our oral health too.

Is vaping dangerous to my dental and oral health?

Yes. Oral effects include mouth and throat discomfort, oral mucosal lesions, changes in oral microbiome, dental and periodontal damage

The primary ingredient in vaping, propylene glycol, is commonly found in liquid sweeteners and even sodas. Its pleasantly sweet taste is desirable, but that same sweet taste actually breaks down into acetic acid, lactic acid, and propionaldehyde. Those three ingredients can actually break down tooth enamel and negatively impact the soft tissues in your mouth as well.

Glycerine, which is another main ingredient in vape juice, along with added flavourings, have a similar effect on your teeth. Although glycerine is an odourless and colourless substance, it can cause microbes to latch onto tooth enamel and cause breakdown to occur. In short: Vaping can cause cavity-causing bacteria to stick to the surface of your teeth and cause unrepairable damage.

Regarding your gum tissue; the effects of nicotine on gum tissue are very well documented. Some of the vape juice cartridges are around 5% nicotine which, after smoking, is the equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. We do know that nicotine decreases blood flow to the gum tissue which puts vapers at a significantly higher risk of developing gum disease.

Some ingredients of e-liquids are found to produce metabolites which have genotoxic or carcinogenic properties, increasing risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. e-cigarettes have also been known to explode or cause traumatic injuries.

Do you recommend that I use e-cigarettes to help quit smoking?

Not on their own.

Effectiveness of any cessation tool (e-cigarettes, nicotine patches) increases in combination with traditional evidence-based behavioural therapies and counselling. Involve your GP and other smoking cessation services.

Is it better to vape, rather than smoke cigarettes, after having dental/oral surgery?

Please refrain from smoking or vaping for as long as possible. Smoking can impair healing mechanisms and vaping may have similar effects.

In summary, the evidence is stacked against vaping when trying to make the argument that it’s at all healthier than cigarette usage. It’s important to focus on trying to quit vaping to pave the way to a healthier lifestyle and don’t forget to get some help from your dentist as well.

Dr Patel at Putney Dental Surgery can provide a thorough examination of your mouth and look for any lesions or places of concern to get you on the path toward a vape-free mouth. Give us a call today on 98097110 or schedule an appointment online www.putneydentalsurgery.com.au