Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
In recent times, the use of e-cigarettes (also called vaping) has seen a boom in popularity. Many people believe that it is better than normal smoking, so it is okay for them to indulge. However, that is not true. Vaping is risky for your overall wellness, and it can harm your oral health! This blog post delves into four ways in which this habit could adversely affect your smile.
Dry Mouth
Propylene glycol is an extremely common ingredient in vaping products. Unfortunately, it is strongly associated with an increased risk of dry mouth. When your mouth does not contain an adequate amount of saliva, you are much more likely to suffer from a number of undesirable issues, including bad breath, difficulty swallowing, cavities, and more.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most dangerous oral health conditions. Not only is it a leading cause of tooth loss, but it is also associated with increased rates of heart attack, stroke, dementia, and other serious health problems.
E-cigarettes often feature nicotine, which narrows blood vessels and restricts blood flow to your gums. When the gums are not receiving adequate amounts of oxygen and other nutrients from the blood, they are more likely to develop infections, including gum disease.
Tooth Discoloration
Traditional cigarettes are well-known for their potential to stain teeth; smokers often have a yellow or even brownish tint to their smile. That happens because cigarettes contain nicotine and tar. Although vaping products do not have tar, they do contain nicotine. Therefore, they can easily discolor your teeth and may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Changes in Your Oral Microbiome
A healthy mouth contains countless microbes, many of which are beneficial. Sadly, the use of e-cigarettes can upset the balance of microbes in your mouth, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply and thrive. In fact, the aerosol in vaping products may cause a four-fold increase in the amount of harmful bacteria on your teeth. You may therefore be more prone to gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer.
Vaping might seem like a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, but it is actually very harmful! Try to kick the habit so you can protect your precious smile.
Meet the Practice
The expert team at Canal Side Family Dental is proud to provide comprehensive oral health services for the Buzzards Bay community. If you would like our advice on how you can fight bad habits and adopt good ones, we are ready to speak with you. To book an appointment or learn more about us, get in touch at 508-375-3149.