Vaping, also known as e-cigarette smoking, is the act ofinhaling a mist of nicotine or marijuana derived from a liquid. Vaping rateshave been steadily on the rise and gaining popularity with younger populations.While vaping is still considered new compared to cigarette smoking, evidence isalready suggesting the role it can play in gum disease risk.
Vaping that contains nicotine poses the biggest threat togum health. Nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor. Vasoconstrictors cause thewalls of blood vessels to contract and tighten. This tightening narrows thepathway that blood circulates through, and in turn, reduces overall blood flowin the oral cavity. A reduction in healthy blood flow in the body and the oralcavity can lead to an increased risk of developing gum disease.
Vaping has also been linked to many other oral healthconditions, including dry mouth, cavities, staining, and bad breath. Researchhas shown that individuals that vape have higher levels of disease-causingbacteria in the oral cavity. Evidence also suggests that chemicals within vapeproducts can induce cell death and increase the risk of certain cancers.
While vaping certainly has its many downsides, one of thebiggest concerns is the audience that vaping marketing has targeted. Manyvaping juices and liquids are sold in fruity, “meant to be fun” flavors. Thismarketing tends to target teens and young adults. The nicotine levels found invape products are often significantly higher than the average cigarette. Thishigh potency of nicotine is extremely addictive and can make quittingdifficult. If young adults and teens consume high levels of nicotine at a youngage, they are much more likely to become dependent and addicted to vape. Thisis also concerning in regard to gum disease, as developing gum disease at ayoung age can increase the risk of many other systemic health conditions individualsage, including heart disease.
While vaping may seem like a better option compared tocigarettes, it comes with its own set of problems and health concerns. If youor someone you know is struggling with vaping addiction, visit smokefree.gov or talk to yourdental or medical provider.