Can vaping lead to gum disease? (2024)

Vaping is widely considered as being a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. But, as this is a relatively recent method of consuming nicotine, the long-term effects vaping can have on our oral health have been relatively unknown.

Can vaping cause gum disease, and is it more or less of a risk than smoking? If you’re a vaper with concerns about your oral health, read on to find out more.

What is vaping and is it really less harmful than smoking?

Vaping may sound complicated, but it’s really just the process of heating up liquid to create water vapour. Vape liquid typically consists of water, nicotine and flavouring, and does not include the more famously harmful ingredients found in cigarettes like tar and carbon monoxide.

But is vaping less harmful than smoking? The answer is almost certainly – yes. Whilst vaping is not risk-free and we still have a lot to learn about it, there’s no denying that it contains far fewer nasty chemicals. Cigarettes have over 40 poisonous or carcinogenic chemicals in them, not to mention the risk associated with the heat of the smoke.

Is vaping just as bad as smoking for your teeth and gums?

Whilst e-cigarettes feature a much smaller array of harmful chemicals and are generally a much better alternative to traditional cigarettes, this doesn’t mean that they won’t cause any damage to your oral health.

They still contain several components that are recognised as detrimental to our teeth and gums and can cause a range of oral health problems – including gum disease.

Can vaping cause gingivitis?

Yes.

One of the ingredients in e-liquids decreases saliva production, which in turn, causes dry mouth and makes it difficult for your mouth to neutralise bacteria naturally.

So, can vaping cause gum disease?

Whilst we know that vaping is typically less risky for our health than smoking, more links are now being made between vaping and gum disease.

Reduced saliva – Vaping causes mouth-drying effects, which strips back the amount of natural saliva you have in your mouth, and in turn, takes away your mouth’s natural defence against bacteria forming. This can lead to bacteria forming under the gumline and causing gingivitis.

Nicotine intake – Vapes still contain nicotine, and it’s this chemical that reduces blood supply through a process called vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction narrows (constricts) the blood vessels, slowing or even blocking blood flow over time. This reduction in blood supply can lead to gum disease.

PG – Propylene glycol (PG) is found in all e-liquids in varying quantities and acts as a carrier for the e-liquid. It’s a tasteless, odourless liquid that is used in many areas of the food industry. However, when ingested directly via the mouth, PG breaks down into other, more harmful chemicals including lactic acid, which can break down enamel and soft tissues in the mouth.

VG – Vegetable Glycerin is often combined with other flavourings to make e-liquid taste better, but when combined, the risk of microbial adhesions and plaque formation is rapidly increased. With prolonged use, this can lead to excess bacteria in the mouth and weaker enamel leaving you more susceptible to cavities.

Vaping and gum recession

Unless e-cigarette users for a nicotine-free option, vaping still involves to use of this addictive substance.

Nicotine, combined with several other ingredients present in e-liquids, can eat away at your gum tissue and, over time, cause your gums to pull back from your teeth. AKA, gum recession.

We’ve already established how vaping can restrict the blood flow to your gums, which is another thing that causes them to recede.

Does vaping cause bad breath?

Because of the range of sweet, fruity flavours available, you might not think about how e-cigarettes can impact the smell of your breath.

The combination of nicotine and propylene glycol can be responsible for halitosis (bad breath), as – as we’ve already established – they can cause dry mouth and a build-up of bacteria, which leads to bad-smelling and tasting breath.

What can be done to prevent gum disease when vaping?

If you’re one of the millions of people who have managed to quit smoking and moved to vaping, you’ve already done a lot for your personal health. But if you’re wondering “why are my gums receding?” then there is a risk that this could be related to your vaping.

Of course, the ideal solution would be to stop vaping altogether, but we’re aware it’s not as easy as that. So, what other gum disease cures are available, and can they be cured at all? The truth is, whether you’re a vaper or not if you’re presenting with the early signs of gum disease, then the very best thing to do is be seen by your dentist straight away.

How to get rid of gum disease from vaping?

The earlier you treat gum disease, the easier (and less invasive) the treatment. Your dentist will usually be able to treat you and will give you support and advice on how to prevent gum disease from reoccurring or becoming more severe in the future.

If I stop vaping will my gums heal?

Absolutely!

If you stop vaping, your gum health with dramatically improve.

Regardless of how long you’ve been vaping, when you stop, the blood vessels inside your gum tissue gradually begin to heal and improve the circulation of blood inside your mouth.

When this happens, nutrients and antibodies can make their way to your gums to help combat oral bacteria.

Get in touch with our professionals

Here at Al-Fa Perio, we’re leading specialists in gum disease, and offer a wide range of innovative, unique treatments for those suffering from the periodontal disease at different stages. So, if you’re concerned that vaping is having an effect on your oral health, why not get in touch with our team? We’d be more than happy to help and advise you on the best things to do, so get in touch at 020 8506 0701, or email us at [emailprotected].