The dentist talked about the effects of vaping on the health of teeth and gums

Electronic cigarettes and vapes can negatively affect the condition of the oral cavity, provoking gum inflammation, the development of caries and disruption of the salivary glands. On July 23, Victoria Kravtsova, a dentist and therapist at the Atribyut clinic, told Izvestia about this.

According to the expert, the harm of vaping differs from the effects of regular smoking, but this does not make electronic devices safe for teeth and gums. The aerosol that forms when using vapes can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the oral cavity and create conditions for the proliferation of bacteria associated with inflammatory processes.

The expert named gum disease, including periodontitis, as one of the main risks. With regular exposure to aerosol, the microbiome of the oral cavity can change, which increases the likelihood of tissue inflammation. At the same time, violations of the bacterial balance in vaping users can form much faster than in traditional smokers.

"E-cigarette liquids can contribute to the destruction of tooth enamel. Glycerin and propylene glycol can leave a sticky layer on the surface of teeth, which facilitates the fixation of plaque and creates conditions for the development of caries," Kravtsova said.

Even liquids without nicotine are not completely safe for teeth. As the dentist noted, some of them contain sweeteners that can support the activity of caries-causing bacteria. At the same time, the sweet taste of the liquid does not reflect the actual state of the environment in the oral cavity, where the pH level may decrease and the risk of damage to the enamel may increase.

The specialist paid special attention to the effect of vapes on salivation. Constant exposure to steam can cause dry mouth and alter the properties of saliva. It becomes more viscous, performs the function of natural tooth cleansing worse, and protective enzymes work less effectively.

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"Steam causes chronic drying out and chronic irritation, while saliva becomes more viscous and viscous. It removes plaque worse, and its protective enzymes lose their activity," the dentist explained.

According to her, the consequences can manifest themselves in the form of dry mouth, unpleasant odor, ulceration, discoloration of teeth and accelerated formation of tartar. With prolonged exposure, these factors can also increase the risk of complications during dental procedures, including implantation, as the condition of the tissues and their ability to repair deteriorate.

At the same time, the severity of inflammatory processes in vaping users may differ from the situation in regular smokers. However, as the expert emphasized, less noticeable symptoms do not mean that there is no risk to oral health.

The dentist recommended completely giving up vaping and other types of smoking, as well as regular routine checkups with a specialist. This allows you to detect changes in a timely manner and reduce the likelihood of serious problems with teeth and gums.

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Deputy President of the Russian Academy of Education Gennady Onishchenko called two deadly habits on May 4. According to him, this is alcohol consumption and smoking, including the use of vapes. The specialist explained that many people continue to suffer from tobacco and alcohol addiction.