Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
April is natural oral cancer awareness month. And one thing a lot of people aren’t talking about is how tobacco usage, even vaping, is connected to oral cancer cases every year. Vaping is becoming more and more popular in our society. According to a 2018 Gallup poll, 9% of American adults who responded said they vape, either regularly or occasionally. The use of vapes and e-cigarettes is especially prevalent among younger people. Data from the Food and Drug Administration found that nearly 1 million youth use e-cigarettes daily, with a staggering 1.6 million vaping more than 20 times per month. People turn to vapes and e-cigs as an alternative to traditional smoking, but vaping is anything but safe. In this article, one of Okemos’ most popular dentists, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, explores the dangerous consequences of vaping.
What’s in that vape cloud, anyway?
When someone uses a vape or e-cigarette, a cloud of smoke emerges. That cloud is often referred to as vapor, making it sound harmless, but the actual contents of the cloud are anything but benign.
What is referred to as vapor is actually a concoction of aerosols that includes a combination of the following :
- Heavy metals, such as cadmium and zinc
- Harmful agents, such as benzene and acrolein, that provide flavor
- Either nicotine or cannabis, both raise heart rate, elevate blood pressure and suppress the immune system.
What effect does vaping have on your body?
People may opt for vaping as an alternative to smoking, but if you’re using a vape rather than cigarettes, your vape still contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Inhaled repeatedly over time, using a vape or e-cig damages epithelial cells in the lungs, leading to a condition known as popcorn lung. This occurs when the smallest airways in your lungs sustain damage, making you cough and prone to shortness of breath.
How does vaping affect your teeth and mouth?
Vape works by mixing nicotine with a flavoring agent and then combining those ingredients with a solvent. This concoction can do significant damage to your oral health.
First and foremost, you should know that any vape or e-cigarette typically operates between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If that vape malfunctions, you’re leaving your mouth or oral cavity vulnerable to burns or tissue damage from the high heat.
Now, let’s talk about the solvents contained in your e-cigarette. Most of these solvents are sticky. That means that they can adhere to your teeth and gums, providing more opportunity for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Vapes also typically contain alcohol—isopropyl alcohol, in particular. This alcohol can dehydrate, drying out your mouth and oral tissues. We have warned about the dangers of dry mouth in the past, so this is another reason for you to avoid vaping or, if you’re already using a vape or e-cigarette, break the habit.
Preventive Dental Care in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
Whether it’s from cigarettes or a vape, nicotine can be harmful to your teeth and gums and increase your risk of oral cancer. At Tenaglia Smiles, we can help offer you steps to kick your nicotine habit in the game of improving your health, as well as provide oral cancer screenings. To find learn more about our services, the first step is to schedule a consultation by calling (517) 347-6733.