As you are probably aware, smoking is a hazardous habit with major health effects. Although the dental consequences of smoking are minor in comparison to the life-threatening general health implications, they are nevertheless significant.
Smoking stains the teeth raises the risk of gum disease and oral cancer and may exclude eligibility for certain popular treatments such as dental implants, among other things. Schedule a consultation with a dental office in Summerlin for more information.
The rise of vaping
According to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, one in every five Americans smokes. Many of these smokers have switched from regular combustible cigarettes to the ostensibly “safer” e-cigarette and vaping alternatives in recent years.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are relatively new technologies that use a heating element to transform a liquid concentration into an aerosol. Because there is no tobacco involved, many people who try to stop smoking wind up using ENDS. (The term “vaping” refers to the process by which ENDS vaporizes nicotine for absorption without the use of tobacco.) The notion is that switching to ENDS is a step toward stopping completely. However, as a result of the trend, many individuals are switching to ENDS, and some new smokers are utilizing them as a gateway to smoking.
Vaping and oral health
The chemical makeup of e-cigarette aerosols is one of the key concerns about vaping and oral health. Although it is thought that e-cigarette aerosols contain less hazardous compounds than regular cigarette smoke, they are far from harmless. According to the CDC, e-cigarette aerosols can still include dangerous components, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, and volatile organic compounds, all of which can injure oral tissues when breathed.
Another recognized component of e-cigarettes is formaldehyde, which is a documented carcinogen that can cause cellular damage and inflammation in the oral cavity. Acrolein, a highly reactive chemical used in herbicides, is frequently present in e-cigarettes and can irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, potentially leading to illnesses such as dry
Why are smoking and vaping associated with an increased risk of dental problems?
- Gum disease
Gum disease is caused by an infection, which affects the tissues and bones that surround and support your teeth in place. Because smoking and vaping reduce the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, diseased gums do not recover as quickly. Furthermore, smoking and vaping can generate more dental plaque than nonsmokers and accelerate the progression of gum disease.
- Tooth loss
Gum disease is caused by smoking. Gum tissue and jawbone lose their capacity to retain teeth in place as they become weak.
- Oral cancer
Toxins and carcinogens are present in smoking and vaping products. Repeated exposure to them can eventually lead to patches in the mouth or on the lips that can develop into cancer.
