You can’t fail to notice that thousands of regular smokers are switching from cigarettes to vaping. According to a government review in 2015, the current best estimate is that vaping is 95% less harmful than cigarette smoking, and the use of e-cigarettes is a proven aid to help smokers quit for good.

Here at CK Dental in Bristol, we’re getting a lot of enquiries from clients who have either already made the switch from smoking to vaping, or are giving it serious thought. So what are the implications for your dental health?

Does vaping stain the teeth?

Whilst being completely aware that the study of vaping and its health implications are still in their infancy, we know that the majority of staining from cigarette smoking is caused by tar.

Vape ‘smoke’ consists of a mixture of Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin, flavouring and optional nicotine. Therefore, switching to vaping is far kinder to the colour of your teeth.

However, this doesn’t mean that vaping is completely off the hook when it comes to dental health. Although ex-smokers will experience cosmetic benefits after making the switch, there’s still a chance that they risk long-term gum damage.

Nicotine and oral health

Even though the delivery of nicotine via vaping is much safer than from traditional smoking, that nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor – meaning it reduces the flow of blood around the gum area, denying your gums the oxygen and nutrients they need and destroying tissue.

Nicotine also prevents the mouth from producing sufficient saliva (causing bad breath) and in some cases causes teeth-grinding.

The solution for new vapers is simple: start stepping down on the nicotine intake as soon as possible, with a view to vaping 0% nicotine e-juice as soon as possible.