Oral Health Risks of Vaping
What is vaping?
Vaping is a popular term for smoking an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping devices. These devices work by heating liquid that may contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals stored in a cartridge. This liquid turns into vapor once it is heated and can then be inhaled by the user.
Although many people consider vaping better than smoking a traditional cigarette, the CDC warns that it can contain harmful substances “harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents”.
Young adults are more likely to vape
Studies have found that people who tend to vape are young adults or even children in some cases. A survey by the CDC found that in 2023 approximately 2.1 million high school students and 550,000 middle school students were using e-cigarettes.
Here are some other findings from the survey:
Among students who currently use e-cigarettes:
- 1 in 4 (25.2%) are daily users.
- 1 in 3 (34.7%) have used e-cigarettes on 20 or more of the last 30 days.
- 9 in 10 (89.4%) prefer flavored e-cigarettes.
Effects of vaping on oral health
The CDC is still studying the effects of vaping and how it can cause harm to not only oral health but overall health. New studies have found that vaping can cause gum disease, inflammation, loose teeth, cavities, mouth ulcers, and dry mouth. Additional health problems that are caused by vaping include damage to both the heart and lungs. However, the true extent of the negative side effects of vaping likely won’t be known until many years from now.
Be sure to contact a healthcare provider if you or someone you love has used an e-cigarette or other form of vaporizer and is experiencing:
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fatigue, fever, or abdominal pain
Check out this blog to learn more about Vaping: “What vaping does to your teeth.”