The Impacts of Vaping on Oral Health: What You Need to Know

At Wickham Terrace Dental, our goal is to help patients achieve a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

While vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, growing evidence shows that it is far from risk-free. In fact, vaping introduces a unique mix of chemicals into the mouth that can interfere with the body’s natural defences, irritate delicate tissues, and contribute to long-term oral problems.

A comprehensive review published by PubMed Central found that people who vape face a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay compared to non-smokers. 

Understanding exactly how vaping affects the mouth — from changes at the cellular level to more visible problems like dry mouth, gum inflammation, and taste loss — is key to protecting your oral health.

How Vaping Affects the Mouth

When inhaled, e-cigarette aerosols deliver a cocktail of chemicals directly to the mouth. The effects extend beyond the lungs and have measurable impacts on oral tissues:

Oxidative stress and tissue damage: Vaping exposes oral keratinocytes — the cells lining the inside of your mouth — to oxidative stress. This weakens their structure and function, contributing to inflammation, slower healing, and tissue breakdown. Over time, chronic inflammation can set the stage for periodontal disease.

Gum weakening: E-cigarette aerosols have been found to contain heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel, lead, and chromium. These toxins can damage gum tissue, affect the periodontal ligament, and even compromise jawbone density. The result is increased plaque buildup, deeper gum pockets, and higher risk of gum disease progression.

Reduced saliva flow: Nicotine, along with propylene glycol and glycerin (common e-liquid bases), decreases saliva production. Saliva plays a critical protective role by washing away food particles, neutralising acids, and delivering antimicrobial properties. Reduced saliva leads to dry mouth, bad breath, greater tooth sensitivity, and increased risk of cavities.

“Vape tongue”: Some vapers report temporary taste loss — often referred to as “vape tongue.” This is linked to nicotine overload, dehydration, and a persistently dry mouth. While usually reversible, it signals the strain vaping places on normal oral function.

Broader Concerns for Long-Term Health 

The impacts of vaping on oral health are far from negligible — particularly for younger individuals, where early habits can progress into more serious long-term issues:

Gum disease and tooth loss: Recent publications highlight vaping's associations with gingivitis, periodontitis, and decreased antioxidant capacity in saliva, signaling ongoing inflammation and vulnerability throughout the mouth.

Unexpected reactions: Severe reactions are rare but alarming; for instance, a case reported of an individual developing debilitating oral ulcers tied to vaping habits — underscoring that unexpected, sometimes severe, consequences can occur.

Oral cancer concerns: Vaping liquids and aerosols may contain carcinogens like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. While direct evidence linking vaping to oral cancer is still emerging, the presence of these substances raises concern.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Oral Health

If you currently vape, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your smile:

Prioritise regular dental visits. Professional cleanings and early intervention can catch emerging issues before they progress.

Maintain optimal oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily, flossing, using a tongue scraper, and staying hydrated all help counteract the dryness and bacterial imbalance caused by vaping.

Consider reducing or quitting vaping. Even stepping back can improve your oral environment. Talk to our team about safe strategies and available support options.

Replace nicotine fluids and devices wisely. Low-temperature settings may reduce harmful byproducts like formaldehyde. However, this only helps to mitigate and not eliminate risk.

In Summary

Vaping is not without significant oral health risks. From inflammation and dry mouth to gum disease, sensitivity, and even possible progression toward oral cancer, the evidence underscores the need for vigilance.

At Wickham Terrace Dental, we're committed to helping you navigate these challenges with education, prevention, and compassionate care.

For personalised advice or to discuss potential ways to support oral health while managing vaping habits, get in touch with our friendly team. Or click the button below to make an appointment online.