What effect does vaping have on oral health?

The dental impact of smoking cigarettes is well-documented – but what about vaping? How dangerous is it, and what impact does it have on your oral health?

As a relatively recent trend, there isn’t yet as much data on vaping as there is on traditional nicotine. While the current evidence, primarily focused on periodontal health, indicates that e-cigarettes are not as damaging to oral health as traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free either. The dentistry.co.uk research group identified a number of areas to look out for.

Firstly, vapers have been found to experience lower degrees of bleeding on the basis of probing and gingival indices. These clinical assessments are used to assess gum health and periodontal tissues. They indicate that the suppression effects observed in smoking are also active in vaping.

Secondly, while there has thus far been little evidence of any link between vaping and dental caries, a US study identified an alarming association between e-cigarettes and untreated caries. E-cigarettes aren’t known for containing sugars, but can result in a dry mouth, which laboratory studies have demonstrated can lead to a ‘stickier’ plaque. This is the biofilm that establishes itself on teeth when bacteria, foods and saliva metabolise.

Finally, vapers should watch out for erosive e-cigarette aerosols. While e-liquid nicotine is alkaline, non-nicotine e-liquid has demonstrably greater acidic potential.

Legislation has been passed to criminalise the sale of single-use vapes, effective from June 2025.

The team at Art of Dental Care provide all facets of dental care, including dentures, Invisalign and root canal treatment in Cheshire. Get in touch today to find out more.