Vaping/E-cigarettes- effects on oral health

There is an explosion of Vaping devices in the market, with little or no information about what side effects they have on the gums and teeth. Let me try to deconstruct the possible negative effects of using E-cigarettes on oral health.

Vaping and E-cigarettes have become very popular among teenagers and young adults at an astonishing pace. While doctors and dentists are now seeing the ill effects of vaping, many parents and children are unaware of the potential problems caused by them. Initial reports show that the effect of e-cigarettes on gums is similar to that of conventional cigarettes. Some vaping formulations may be highly cavity forming, especially those with sweet flavors, which are used to attract young people.

Vaping can lead to gum disease, the symptoms of which include:

• Loss of teeth

• Receding gums

• Irritated, red or bleeding gums

• Chronic bad breath, or halitosis

• Swollen or tender gums

The effect of vaping on teeth may vary depending on presence of nicotine in the vaping liquid. Using a nicotine based vaping device may cause additional side effects, including teeth staining and gum disease. Nicotine activates the pleasure center of the brain and the feeling becomes highly addictive - more so than alcohol and cannabis, and similar to cocaine. Vaping in particular causes faster absorption of nicotine and this gives the user a feeling of "high" quicker than cigarettes, leading to even greater addiction. While more research needs to be done to understand the effects of nicotine from vaping, the following may occur due to vaping a fluid containing nicotine:

• Gum inflammation and receding gums

• Dry mouth

• More bacteria in the mouth leading to bad breath - Halitosis

• Gingivitis

• Infection and inflammation of deeper oral tissues - Periodontal disease

• Teeth discoloration

The best way to limit vaping side effects is to stop vaping altogether and persuade your child to stop vaping. If you are a parent and want to steer your child away from vaping, take the following steps:

• Lead by setting a good example.

• Declare your home and car a 'No-Smoking' zone.

• Prepare your child for peer pressure and help them build self confidence to say 'No'.

• Maintain an open dialogue with your child so they can speak out if they experience pressure to smoke and subsequent addiction.

• Get a dental professional's advice on how to quit the habit and maintain good oral health.

Teenage can be a hard phase in the life of a young child. In addition to the stress of performing well in school, children undergo physical and mental changes during teenage which adds to the challenge. Then there is the new challenge of social media that the current generation is facing. The importance of discussing topics such as body positivity, depression, anxiety and health, has never been higher in society. Keeping an open mind and providing children with an inclusive and loving home can go a long way in preparing them for a healthy and happy life ahead.

Citation

1.Irusa KF, Vence B, Donovan T. Potential oral health effects of e-cigarettes and vaping: A review and case reports. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2020 Apr;32(3):260-264. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12583. Epub 2020 Apr 3. PMID: 32243711.

2.https://dentaquest.com/oral-health-resources/oral-health-library/general-oral-health/vaping/