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Known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, vapes are battery-powered devices used to inhale nicotine and other chemicals. These are usually made to look like regular cigarettes but vaporize the flavored liquid instead. The vapor is then inhaled through a mouthpiece at the top of the e-cigarette.

Some vapers use cannabis oil with these devices, which can result in quicker addiction than a smoking flower because users get the “high” much faster -- within about five seconds. This makes quitting even more difficult, especially since most marijuana products contain extremely high amounts of THC. But there’s evidence that marijuana use can cause gum disease in people.

Vape juice can contain various amounts of chemicals and flavorings. These ingredients include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. All of these are harmful to your gums and could increase your chances of developing gingivitis. Some people have even reported burns to their lips from using the vaporizer pen. This is because the heating element can get hot enough to scald a user’s mouth.

Also, some studies have suggested that vaping could cause lung irritation, lung disease, and cancer, which could further impact your oral health. Since the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs, it can have a negative impact on the body. Even secondhand inhalation can irritate the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Studies have also shown that vaping could increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and even infertility.

If any of these effects are experienced after using a vape pen, then it’s best that you speak with your dentist as soon as possible. They can help determine if your vape is causing more harm than good. If it is, they can help you quit vaping altogether. 

Why is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth?

When you vape, you inhale a liquid chemical called “e-liquid” that contains nicotine. The liquid is then turned into a vapor that you inhale. In addition to nicotine, e-liquid also contains flavorings and propylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze. Many of these chemicals are bad for your oral health.

For example, the nicotine in e-liquid is extremely addictive. People who start vaping often have a hard time quitting. When vaping is compared to smoking, it seems safer. However, people who are addicted to both substances may keep using e-cigs until they kick their cigarette habit or start using both at the same time!

Furthermore, this addiction means that people are more likely to continue vaping in public where they aren’t supposed to, which exposes them to secondhand smoke from other people’s cigarettes as well. This can be harmful to people around them as well.

Finally, these chemicals can cause inflammation and irritation in the mouth and gums. Bacteria then thrive in these areas and lead to tooth decay and infections. This can even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The chemicals can also irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis and receding gums.

To learn more, please reach out to our dental practice in Mission Viejo, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Lee, or call us at (949) 380-0315.