Vape

 Vape

By: Amber Edgett

The Oral Impacts of Vaping

    Vaping has become a popular habit with adults in recent times. Although vaping may
seem like the ‘cool thing to do’ or may help relieve stress, there are a number of significant
intraoral side effects that users may not be aware of. These serious side effects include caries, xerostomia, and pathophysiological changes. It is important that those who vape become aware of the intraoral side effects as it may increase the chance of them stopping this
unhealthy habit.

Cavities Are Common!

    Although vaping has become a very common habit in adults recently, there are many intra oral side effects that users may not be aware of such as caries. According to the American Journal of Clinical Pathology (AJCP), “E-cigarettes may increase the risk of dental caries. The sweeteners in the e-liquid have viscous properties comparable to regular soft drinks and a high-sucrose diet” (2019, p. 120). The AJCP conducted a study using “e-liquids containing propylene, glycol/glycerin, nicotine, and flavours, and were tested on noncariogenic extracted third molars. Aerosols were formed by Universal Electronic-Cigarette Testing devices and mimicked 0, 10, and 150 puffs. Streptococcus mutans was exposed to the aerosols on the tooth enamel and was shown to have four times more microbial adhesion and decreased enamel hardness. The viscous property of the e-liquid allowed S mutans to adhere to pits and fissures and increased biofilm formation” (2019, p. 120). Many people who vape are not aware that the e-liquid they are inhaling adheres to tooth structures more easily than from eating. Because of this, people who vape are less likely to perform oral hygiene procedures such as brushing once done, causing caries more frequently.

Xerostomia

    Another common intra oral side effect seen in people who vape is xerostomia. According to Collins, “studies have shown the menthol additive in e-cigarette liquids have a negative effect, as conventional cigarettes do, on the epithelial cells as well as the fibroblasts within the periodontal ligament… the most common effects of vaping are in the form of xerostomia, and often the patient may complain of a dry cough as well” (Collins, 2016, para. 8). Xerostomia is a serious side effect of vaping as it can lead to many intraoral issues such as increased plaque/biofilm, gingivitis, and periodontitis. It is important that users who experience xerostomia are using saliva replacement therapies such as using Biotine, drinking water more frequently, or consuming sugar free lozenges to promote saliva production.

Pathophysiological Changes to Your Cells

    Vaping can also cause pathophysiological changes to occur within the cells in the oral cavity. According to Ebersole J., Samburova V., Son Y., et all, “pathophysiological changes occur with e-cig aerosols including oxidative stress, DNA damage, altered innate host responses, inflammation, profibrogenic and dysregulated repair that could contribute to oral disease including periodontitis” (2020, para. 6). Users may not be aware that their vaping habit is causing changes within the cells inside their mouth. These changes can create lifelong complications intraorally such as gum disease that if left untreated, can destroy the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Ebersole J., Samburova V., Son Y., et all argue that “e-cig aerosols, reduced the viability and increased apoptosis and necrosis of epithelial cells, as well as causing increased oxidative/carbonyl stress, inflammatory cytokines, DNA damage, and reduced HDAC2 responses in fibroblasts and gingival epithelium. E-cig aerosols significantly decreased glutathione levels in oral keratinocytes leading to increased cytotoxicity, and induced ROS, DNA damage and toxicity for vascular endothelial cells” (2020, para. 11). The liquid within the vape causes damage to the DNA cells inside the mouth. Vaping causes changes within the cells in the mouth which are unseen to the naked eye until problems such as periodontitis or gingivitis arise.

Quit Vaping Before It’s Too Late!

    Although a very common habit today in adults, vaping is not as harmless as one may think. There are many consequential side effects such as caries, xerostomia and pathophysiological changes which can occur intraorally. It is important that vape users understand the negative impact vaping has on the oral cavity in order to help prevent lifelong complications.

Ready to Quit? Let Us Help!

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References

Collins, J., (2016). The oral effects of vaping: Patient education.

    https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/clinical-hygiene/article/16352577/the-

    oral-effects-of-vaping-patient-education

Ebersole J., Samburova V., Son Y., Cappelli D., Demopoulous C,. Capurro A., Pinto A.,        

    Chrzan B., Kingsley K., Howard K., Clark N., & Khlystov, A. (2020). Harmful chemicals 

    emitted from electronic cigarettes and potential deleterious effects in the oral cavity.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233525/

Mohamed A., Noor A. S., Kirk A. (October 2019). Effect of Vaping on the Oral Cavity. American

    Journal of Clinical Pathology, 152(1), 120. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcp/aqz122.008