If you smoke, your doctor and your dentist can tell. Numerous dental and medical problems are associated with tobacco use. Some people choose to vape instead of smoke, hoping the practice is healthier. E-cigarettes, however, are also bad for your teeth and gums. Here’s what you should know about vaping and oral health.

How Does It Work?

An electronic cigarette, or e-cig, is a small device about the size of a cigarette. It has a heating element and a battery and may have a small LED light at one end that makes it look like it's burning. It has a replaceable cartridge filled with liquid forms of nicotine, sweeteners, and flavorings.

When you inhale, the heating element turns a small amount of liquid to vapor, which vapers breathe into their lungs in the same way as cigarette smoke.

What Are Its Effects?

When you vape, you're consuming nicotine, which causes dry mouth. Dry mouth affects dental health. Without saliva to wash away food debris, bacteria, and bacterial acids, your teeth sustain damage and staining. When your mouth is dry, you have a greater risk of tooth decay due to plaque buildup.

Nicotine also irritates gums and makes you more vulnerable to gum disease. Diseased gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that hide bacteria and making oral hygiene more difficult to preserve. In addition, the sweeteners and flavorings in e-liquids stick to your teeth, causing more decay, softening tooth enamel, and potentially leading to the development of oral cancer.

If you need to see a dentist about problems caused by smoking or vaping, visit one of their three locations. Their skilled practitioners offer comprehensive services to keep your teeth healthy and bright, including oral exams, teeth whitening, and restorative treatments for decay and disease. To learn more about their services and locations, visit Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, or Waukon Dental  online.