For many people, smoking e-cigarettes or “vaping” is an ideal alternative to smoking. Because it contains none of the tar of traditional cigarettes and cigars, it is less likely to cause bad breath and tooth stains. But unfortunately, while it may have less of an immediate visible impact on your smile, this habit can still be extremely dangerous to your oral health. Here’s how vaping both nicotine and cannabis can harm you.
Vaping vs. Smoking
While it’s true that vaping isn’t ideal in any circumstances, it still has the benefit of being slightly better for you than smoking. In fact, studies have found that the toxic chemicals in vaping fluid registered up to 450 times lower than those in cigarettes! Still, that doesn’t make vaping good for you by any means. In fact, a 2018 study found that the aerosols in these fluids can increase inflammation and DNA damage in the mouth, and one common chemical, propylene glycol, causes dry mouth, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Fluids with nicotine can even restrict blood flow to the gums, making matters even worse.
Is Vaping Cannabis Safe?
Unfortunately, many patients believe that because cannabis is “all natural” it is safer to vape than regular nicotine fluid. Unfortunately, this benefit is often outweighed by the negatives. For instance, vaping cannabis still carries the same risks as regular fluid because it dries out the gums and causes inflammation. Furthermore, it can still contain additives like acrolein, methylglyoxal, and formaldehyde, all of which can cause oral cancer.
The Dangers of E-Cigarettes
It is also worth mentioning that e-cigarettes (the devices used to vape cannabis and nicotine) themselves can be dangerous. Because many rely on a lithium-ion battery to receive power, they pose a risk of explosion, especially when they are exposed to moisture. Unfortunately, because vaping fluid is liquid, this can be especially dangerous. In fact, there have even been cases of e-cigarettes exploding while charging and while in use, causing serious injury to the users.
Remember, while it’s true that cannabis is safer than traditional nicotine products, and vaping is safer than smoking to a degree, it is important to weigh the potential consequences before beginning. This habit can not only cost a lot of money, but it can also cause serious complications like gum disease, receding gums, oral cancer, and even disfiguring injuries due to malfunctioning equipment.
About Dr. Yarnell
Dr. Sarah Yarnell earned her B.S. in Biology from Lyon College and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. She is also a Master of the College of Sedation Dentistry through the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and an active member of the American Dental Association, Arkansas Dental Association, Northeast Arkansas District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, CEREC Doctors, and the International Dental Implant Association. To schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment at Woodsprings Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 870-932-8488.