While the health effects of vaping have not been fully studied, science has already revealed some possible side-effects of nicotine entering the mouth. In the case of vaping nicotine, here’s what we know.
Nicotine And The Mouth
Nicotine, regardless of whether it’s delivered via smoking a cigarette or an alternative method such as vaping, can cause damage to the human mouth, tongue, and gums.
One study, which was published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology, found nicotine to contribute to the development of both periodontitis and gingivitis. Subsequently, it’s capable of causing not only bad breath, but inflammation throughout the entire body.
And given that it’s a vasoconstrictor that constricts blood vessels, limiting the flow of blood through one’s veins, it can also cause gum recession as the gums receive an inadequate amount of nutrients due to the restricted blood flow. In other words, it can quite literally choke the life out of tissues found within the human mouth, which in turn can lead to gum tissues dying.
Nicotine Can Hide Gum Disease
Swelling and irritation can be an obvious indication that gum disease is present. As nicotine restricts blood flow, it has the ability to hide the swelling that would otherwise indicate to a dentist or similar oral healthcare professional the presence of gum disease. This in turn can make diagnosis that much more difficult.
Advice From A Professional
Mark Burhenne, DDS, writing for AskTheDentist.com, wrote that those who vape nicotine such as electronic cigarette (e-cig) users need to be extra vigilant when it comes to gum disease as a result of nicotine’s ability to not only cause damage, but also to hide it. Subsequently, he recommends eliminating nicotine entirely. But if that’s not possible, then he recommends visiting your dentist regularly, about every three months or so, in order to have pocket readings taken in order to determine the health of your gums.
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