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Electronic Cigarettes: Just How Do They Affect Your Oral Health?

6 October 2015 by Harold Coleman

If you use an electronic cigarette, then you may wonder how it affects your oral health. Unfortunately, the devices are so new that there are no long-term medical studies that have shown the definite effects. However, dentists do warn that the some components of e-liquids and unhygienic electronic cigarette use can have negative oral-health consequences. Here are how two components of e-cigarette liquids and how they affect your mouth along with another factor of vaping that affects your oral health.

1. Nicotine

While there are nicotine-free e-liquids, many electronic cigarette users do choose liquids with nicotine. Dentists warn that even though e-liquid vapor may not contain many of the other chemicals in tobacco cigarettes, the nicotine in e-liquid itself is bad for your mouth.

Nicotine inhaled causes constriction of your blood vessels, which limits the oxygen in your blood received by every tissue in your body, including your gums. This side effect of nicotine usage can cause gum recession and even contribute to the development of gum disease. Reduced blood supply in your gums can also hide the signs of gum disease, such as gum bleeding, so even though you may have it, it is harder for you and your dentist to diagnose it.

It is best to choose a nicotine-free e-liquid if you use an electronic cigarette to limit its effect on your overall health and oral health.

2. Propylene Glycol

Most e-liquids are made of a mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. Propylene glycol is also a substance used in cosmetics, foods, and asthma inhalers. The main side effect of propylene glycol used for vaping is dry mouth, and dry mouth can cause an increase in cavities due to less cavity-fighting saliva being present in your mouth.

It is important to stay properly hydrated when using an electronic cigarette for this reason and limit its use if you begin to develop cavities. Hydrating mouth sprays and rinses can help replenish mouth moisture, but no spray or rinse is as good for your mouth as natural saliva.

3. Electronic Cigarette Hygiene

Using an electronic cigarette in a hygienic fashion is very important. If you don't clean your mouth piece often, store it in unclean places, or share it with others, then you open yourself up to general health and oral-health problems. Germs can breed on a dirty mouthpiece, and if you share your electronic cigarette, then you may be introducing new oral bacteria into your mouth that can cause you to get cavities.

Thankfully, this is one set of problems that can be avoided by cleaning your mouthpiece regularly with an alcohol swab, storing it only in a clean case or upright, and not sharing it with anyone.

If you use an electronic cigarette, then be aware of how it affects your dental health. To minimize harmful effects, stick to nicotine-free e-liquids and never share your device with others. Also, see your dentist regularly for check ups. 

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