What You Don't Know About E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are on the rise. It has been estimated that
within 10 years e-cigarettes will outsell tobacco
products since they are considered a safer and less
expensive alternative to smoking. Smoking has been linked
to cancer and heart disease but that doesn’t mean e-
cigarettes are not hazardous for your health. There has
also been concern that e-cigarettes are quickly becoming
a gateway drug for nonsmokers and teens.
What Are E-Cigarettes?
The battery powered electronic device contains a
cartridge with e-juice (made up of vegetable glycerin,
propylene glycol and liquid nicotine) and a heating
element to produce vapor. Since vapor is produced rather
than smoke, the amount of toxic chemicals emitted are
significantly reduced. This battery powered device also
reduces the odor that normally accompanies smoking.
Artificial flavors can also be added to produce pleasant
scents like bubble gum and pop tarts. But is it safe?
How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health
Unlike smoking a cigarette which can cause yellow teeth,
plaque buildup, and lung cancer, the ingredients
contained in e-cigarettes don’t contain harmful chemicals
that can cause tooth discoloration. The mixture of
distilled water, artificial flavor, and liquid mix of
nicotine turns into a vapor that won’t contribute to
tooth decay however, nicotine does reduce your saliva
production which can lead to other side effects.
Nicotine Can...
- Cause dry mouth or halitosis (bad breath)
- Increase chance for tooth decay
- Make you more susceptible to cavities
- Cause periodontal disease
- Chronic cough
- Inflammation of the gums and bleeding
However it still remains unclear if vaping is safer than
tobacco. It still contains nicotine which can cause
irritability and anxiety for those who are in withdrawal.
And it’s also debatable whether or not propylene glycol
is safe for inhalation.
It’s also important to remember that since e-cigarettes
are still relatively new to the scene there aren’t
many studies that can speak to its long term effects on
our oral health. While it’s a better alternative for
smokers, non-smokers who are curious about vaping should
keep in mind that this recreational activity
that can contribute to some major health concerns and the
effects of vapor exposure aren’t largely
known.
If you have any other questions about e-cigarettes please
contact us for additional information.
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