Electronic cigarette: a dangerous link with the teeth?

The electronic cigarette attracts more and more followers around the world, this is not surprising given all the virtues it is attributed, including its effectiveness in stop smoking . Although we do not have enough hindsight to affirm its harmlessness and that many studies are still underway in this direction, the World Health Organization has already warned about its use, going so far as to call it ” unquestionably harmful “.

In this article, Nutrident provides you with more details on the effects of vapotage (the use of electronic cigarettes) on oral health, and this, in a sincere and objective manner.

Does vaping turn teeth yellow?

We all know the effects of tobacco consumption on teeth, which obviously causes their yellowing. But what about electronic cigarettes? Two main studies were conducted in 2018 to answer this question, both of which found evidence of tooth enamel staining from electronic cigarette smoke.

Indeed, although the latter are devoid of tar, they contain substances such as nicotine which is primarily responsible for this yellowing. However, it should be noted that the intensity and speed of this phenomenon are much less than with conventional cigarettes.

In addition, dentists have noticed from their many patients vapoteurs, that the most colored and most flavored e-liquids are the most yellowing for teeth, and this, even in the case of moderate use. This is for example the case of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol . It is therefore recommended to prefer e-liquids containing the least nicotine, the least scented and the least colored to reduce the yellowing of teeth.

To minimize the appearance of stains on the teeth and their yellowing, dentists recommend brushing your teeth 3 times a day and never vaping in the evening after brushing.

The electronic cigarette: does it increase the risk of cavities?

The e-liquids of electronic cigarettes contain sweet flavors, if we add to that the viscosity of aerosols emitted, we end up with a very likely cariogenic effect. This is in any case what has concluded a team of American scientists in a study published in the journal PLOS One.

According to this same study, the vapors of e-cigarettes would have physico-chemical properties similar to those of substances rich in sucrose, they would have a comparable cariogenic effect, in particular by increasing the adhesion of bacteria to the dental enamel exposing the tooth to their destructive acid excretions.

As for dentists, they have not yet noted a net increase in the prevalence of cavities in regular vapers compared to the general population, this is explained by the multifactorial nature of this condition (oral hygiene, diet …). Nevertheless, they recommend increased precautions and hygiene measures to avoid unnecessary risks.

The electronic cigarette delays the diagnosis of periodontal disease

Periodontal diseases are the attack of one or more elements of the periodontium, the set of tissues supporting the tooth such as the gum. In addition to pain, these pathologies are usually manifested by gingival bleeding.

This important symptom is masked by the use of electronic cigarettes, delaying the diagnosis and therefore the treatment of periodontal diseases. Indeed, the nicotine contained in some e-liquids, cause a vasoconstriction of the gingival vessels (decrease of their caliber), which reduces the vascularization of the gums and thus the bleeding, thus removing the main alarm signal of these diseases.