Effects of Vaping on Dental and Oral Health

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vape pens, JUULS, and pods use an electric element to heat liquid-based flavorant into an aerosol for inhalation. As technology and science progress, the adverse health effects of nicotine, associated chemicals, and additives continue to be researched and discovered. With the rising popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping, dental and oral health effects have come into question. The 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 3.6 million youth are currently using e-cigarettes, with a concerning uptick in use of disposable products. Vaping affects the oral cavity by receding gingiva by blood vessel shrinkage, masks gum disease by reducing bleeding on probing due to blood flow loss, amplifies bad breath by compromising saliva production, increases bruxism by increased masticatory muscle stimulation, and increases the occurrence of tooth caries.