Do E-Cigarettes Benefit Your Oral Health?
As more smokers make the switch from cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, many industry analysts believe that e-cigarettes will mean the end of smoking tobacco within the next 10 years.
Many celebrities are endorsing e-cigarettes, and even some public health officials believe that getting nicotine by inhaling vapor, rather than chemical-laced smoke, can help people quit smoking. E-cigarettes are cleaner, cheaper and more socially acceptable in public places.
The problem is there is no long-term scientific evidence that has found e-cigarettes safe or effective in helping people quit smoking. A few research studies have found that e-cigarettes may reduce lung capacity in users, and that the inhaled liquids can irritate a person’s airways. Some opponents believe that e-cigarettes are an easy way for young people to become addicted to nicotine, creating new generations of nicotine users.
Some believe that e-cigarette users are simply trading one nicotine addiction for another.
It’s unclear how e-cigs may affect your oral health. There are fewer harmful ingredients in e-cigarettes when compared to conventional cigarettes, but nicotine can harm your gums, tongue and mouth.
Nicotine use can contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontal gum disease, as well as tooth decay. When you use nicotine, it causes a reduction in blood flow that can affect the lining of your mouth. When this occurs, your white blood cells are unable to effectively fight off bacterial infections, which can cause gum infections and other oral problems.
You may be suffering from periodontal gum disease if you notice:
• Recession in your gums
• Bleeding or inflammation
• Mouth sores
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth or teeth loss
Regular dental visits, along with routine exams and cleanings, can help reduce your chances of developing gum disease. Your dentist can help catch gum disease in the early stages, preventing you from necessary major dental work in the future.
If you don’t have dental insurance and you are interested in a low-cost affordable dental plan,