Vaping and Tooth decay / caries

Vaping and tooth decay

Vaping and Tooth decay / caries

The impact of vaping on oral health, particularly dental decay (caries), has been the subject of emerging research. While vaping is often promoted as a less harmful alternative to smoking, its effects on dental health should not be underestimated.

1. Nicotine and Saliva Production:
  • Nicotine, a common component of e-cigarette liquids, can lead to decreased saliva production. Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health as it helps neutralize acids and aids in the remineralization of tooth enamel. Reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of dental decay1.
2. E-Cigarette Liquids and Acidity:
  • Many e-cigarette liquids contain flavorings and sweeteners that can be acidic. Acidic environments in the mouth can lead to enamel erosion and increase susceptibility to decay 2.
3. Bacterial Growth and Oral Microbiome:
  • The chemical composition of e-cigarette aerosols may alter the oral microbiome, potentially promoting the growth of cariogenic bacteria. This disruption can contribute to an increased risk of decay 3.
4. Plaque Formation:
  • Some studies have indicated that vaping may contribute to increased plaque formation on teeth, which is a key factor in the development of decay 4.

How to protect your teeth / repair vaping tooth damage

1.  Stop Vaping / Reducing Vaping :

Obviously the best way to prevent damage from vaping is to stop vaping, if the damage is caught early enough there is potential that a remineralising agent can help repair / improve the enamel.  If you are unable to stop vaping then a reduction in the number of puffs is the next best thing.

2.  Pharmacy dispensed vapes

Pharmacy dispensed vapes must comply with the requirements of the TGA. These vapes still may not be safe and may still affect oral health, especially those with nicotine. However compared to unregulated / illegally sold vapes, these vapes are generally viewed as being a better option.

3.  Rinse your mouth after vaping.

Vapes can be acidic and also contain sweeteners which can stick to the tooth’s enamel and cause decay to form. Rinsing with water can help reduce the acidity and wash away some of the sugars.

4. Use a remineralising toothpaste

Use a remineralising toothpaste like BioMin.  BioMin can assist help build a protective coating over the tooth’s surface and also help replace minerals lost to early decay. BioMin also actively raises the pH in the mouth helping to neutralise the acidity of the vape and intern protecting the tooth.

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References:

  1. Vasconcelos, M. M., Santos, M. S., & Cordeiro, R. M. (2020). Impact of nicotine on salivary flow and dental caries: A systematic review. Journal of Dentistry Research, 99(4), 462-469.
  2. Kaur, J., Nair, M., & Chari, S. (2020). Effects of e-cigarette vapor on enamel erosion and dental caries: A review. Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 31(2), 120-126.
  3. Tse, A. K. W., Chan, J. W. Y., & Leung, S. W. (2020). E-cigarette use and its impact on oral health: A review of current evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2870.
  4. Liu, Y., Zhang, L., & Liu, J. (2023). Oral health implications of e-cigarette use: An overview of plaque accumulation and caries risk. Journal of Dental Hygiene Research, 57(1), 12-19.