Feb
18

E-Cigarettes & Your Oral Health

E-cigarettes are taking over everywhere. As more and more people are trying to find alternatives to smoking, e-cigs or vaping are becoming more popular. You may think that e-cigs are much healthier than smoking cigarettes, but that may not necessarily be the case. Here are a few things to consider if you are switching to or currently using e-cigarettes.

  1. Gum Recession: E-cigs that contain nicotine will cause your gums to recede. This is because nicotine constricts the blood vessels making it more difficult for the blood to flow freely through your veins. Restricted blood flow also makes it more difficult for your mouth to naturally do it’s job and keep bacteria from entering your body. If you get any cuts or sores in your mouth, it will also take a lot longer for them to heal.
  2. Gingivitis & Periodontitis: This is another side effect of nicotine. Even in small doses, constant exposure to nicotine will put your mouth at high risk for gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s also dangerous because it may make your mouth look like it’s condition is improving even if it’s actually getting worse.
  3. Teeth Discoloration & Plaque Calcification: The good news is that e-cigs don’t cause your teeth to become discolored or contribute to plaque calcification. E-cigs don’t have the same chemicals that regular cigarettes do but that doesn’t mean that the vapor is necessarily safer.
  4. 2nd Hand Smoke: Another good thing about e-cigs is that it does help with the issue of second hand smoke. While the vapor that is released eliminates the smoke smell and may be less harmful than regular cigarette smoke, it can still be harmful.

Many people may be excited to smoke e-cigarettes as an alternative to regular cigarettes; however, do not assume that this will greatly better your health. There are many benefits of quitting regular cigarettes, however, e-cigs can be just as, or even more dangerous than smoking regular cigarettes.

Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating patients in the New Fairfield, CA area for over twenty-five years. If you have any questions please call our office at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.