Vaping has become increasingly popular, especially among younger folks, as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. While many perceive vaping as a safer option, its effects on oral health are still a subject of concern. If you’re a vaper, you might be wondering, “Can dentist tell if you vape?”
Right off the bat, the answer is a resounding yes – your dentist can easily detect if you vape. So, it isn’t a matter of if but how, and that’s why we put together this article.
We’ll cover the tell-tale signs that give you away at the dentist’s office. Look out for frequently asked questions and how you can stay on top of your oral health, whether you vape e-liquid or cannabis oil.
Can Dentist Tell If You Vape? 8 Signs That Give You Away
1. The Telltale Stains
If there’s one thing you should keep an eye out for, it’s the dreaded nicotine stains. As shown in this video, the yellow or brown stains that can turn your pearly whites into a not-so-subtle hint of your vaping habit.
While vaping may be a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, the nicotine in your vape liquids can still leave its mark on your teeth. As the nicotine mixes with your saliva, it can create unsightly stains that build up over time. These stains make vaping bad enough for a dead giveaway for your dentist during your routine check-ups.
2. Gum Inflammation
Nicotine isn’t just a stain-causing culprit; it’s also a vascular problem. As a vasoconstrictor, nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict, reducing the amount of oxygenated blood flowing to your gums.
This lack of oxygen to gums can lead to gum inflammation, a condition that, if left unchecked, can progress to gum disease or receding gums. Your dentist’s trained eye can spot these signs immediately, even if you don’t explicitly mention your vaping habits.
3. The Dry Mouth
Vaping isn’t just about nicotine, unless you vape cannabis oil, weed concentrate, or CBD oil. It’s also about the propylene glycol (PG), a common ingredient in e-liquids that creates that distinctive throat hit vapers crave.
However, both nicotine and PG can cause dry mouth, a condition that can lead to a whole host of other dental health woes. From bad breath to an increased risk of tooth decay and problem with gum tissue, a lack of saliva can create the perfect environment for bacteria and acids to wreak havoc on your oral health.
4. Tooth Decay and Cavity Concerns
Vaping can potentially increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities in more ways than one. Vegetable glycerin (VG), another common e-liquid ingredient, along with the flavorings used, can help bacteria cling to your teeth.
Having an explosion of bacteria in your dry mouth just gives them more time to attack your enamel. Besides, propylene glycol can break down into acids that erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
5. Tissue Irritation, Gum Disease, and Oral Cancer or Lesions
While vaping may seem like a smooth and enjoyable experience, it can also cause tissue irritation in your mouth, leading to sores and ulcers. Your dentist’s keen eye can spot these signs during your check-up, potentially revealing your vaping habits.
Some vapers have reported developing oral lesions from e cigarette using, such as canker sores or mouth ulcers. These are usually linked to the chemicals found in e-cigarettes and they can lead to oral cancers.
6. Mouth Burns and Palate Stomatitis
While rare, vaping can cause mouth burns due to overheating or even exploding lithium batteries. Moreover, the chemicals in e-cigarettes can damage the cell lining of your mouth.
The roof of your mouth usually bears the biggest brunt of poor oral hygiene. If you vape and don’t take care of your mouth, that will cause painful sores and lesions known as palate stomatitis.
7. Tooth Damage
Nicotine, being a stimulant, can act as a muscle stimulant, causing you to grind or clench your teeth. This is a condition known as bruxism.
This habit can lead to broken or damaged teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even bone loss around your teeth. That makes it another potential giveaway for your dentist.
8. Bad Breath
We all hate that morning bad breath, but it happens. That’s especially true if you vape fruity or sugary flavors.
While vaping may not leave the same stinky breath as traditional cigarettes, it can still contribute to bad breath. This unpleasant side effect is often a result of the oral health problems associated with vaping, such as dry mouth, periodontal disease, or other dental health issues.
Good Oral Health Tips for Vapers
While vaping can undoubtedly impact your oral health, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and maintain a healthy, radiant smile.
Stay Hydrated and Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Drinking plenty of water is a simple yet effective way to combat dry mouth, a common issue for many vapers everywhere.
Staying hydrated will help keep your mouth refreshed and stimulate saliva production, which in turn can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Chewing sugar-free gum can also help stimulate saliva production, counteracting the drying effects of vaping. Saliva contains natural antibacterial properties, which can help keep your mouth healthy and free from harmful plaque bacteria.
The chewing abrasion can also dislodge brown nicotine stains associated with vaping e-liquid and smoking tobacco.
Embrace Fluoride
Using a fluoride mouthwash after vaping can help remineralize your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to decay. Fluoride is a powerful ally in the fight against cavities and can also help freshen your breath.
Use the Right Vape Device
Not all vape cartridges and pens are created equal. That’s especially true of prefilled vapes that may contain bad-for-you additives. Too much PG, for instance, in the prefilled e-liquid can cause tooth decay and show tell-tale signs of vaping.
Limit Sugar Intake
Cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks is not only good for your overall health but also your oral health. Sugar can increase the risk factor of cavities and feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth, so limiting your intake is a wise choice.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular checkups are crucial for everyone, but they’re especially important if you’re a vaper. Your dentist can identify potential oral health problems early on and provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy mouth while continuing to vape.
You dentist will recommed a series of measures to counteract negative impact on your teeth. This includes brushing teeth and flosing to dislodge food particles and prevent negative effects like tooth staining and other dental issues.
Quit Smoking
If you haven’t already, quitting smoking (especially cannabis) and switching to vaping can be a positive step for your overall health. Smoking cessation may help heal oral tissues and wean you off nicotine use.
However, it’s essential to remember that vaping still carries risks, particularly for your oral health, so it’s best to be transparent with your dentist about your vaping habits.
