Bin it & Quit Now
Dr Mandeep Kaur
Tobacco has been a substance used in many social environments of society for centuries. Its consumption has now evolved with the popularity of vapes, especially among young people, despite the lack of clarity in warnings about their risks.
The first identification of “vape” terminology dates back to the 1960s, when inventor H. Gilbert introduced the first alternative to the conventional cigarette. The question that arises is whether this device can effectively contribute to the suppression of smoking. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that vaping cannot be considered an effective tool for quitting tobacco use.
The mechanism of the vape consists of a battery that generates an electric current, which activates a filament located in an atomizer. Vapors produced by vaping are not only made up of water as each inhalation introduces nanoparticles, volatile organic compounds, carbonyls, heavy metals, and nicotine into our bodies, forming an amalgam of compounds potentially harmful to health. In addition to this group, substances, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein, are considered to be possible cancer inducers.
Gum disease and inflammation
The chemicals in e-cigarette vapor can irritate gum tissue, leading to inflammation, redness, and swelling. Over time, this can cause or exacerbate gum disease (periodontal disease), characterized by receding gums, chronic bad breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Dry mouth
Many vape e-liquids contain propylene glycol, which can cause dry mouth. Saliva is essential for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, which protects against decay and gum disease. A dry mouth, or a reduction in saliva, can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Tooth decay
The sweet flavors added to e-cigarettes can contribute to tooth decay. Although they don’t contain sugar, the flavoring agents can still promote the growth of bacteria that produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. Combined with the dry mouth effect, this significantly increases the risk of cavities.
Discoloration and staining
Harmful substances in vapes pens can lead to staining and discoloration of tooth enamel. It can make teeth dull and yellowish over time and negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of teeth.
Enamel erosion
The chemicals in e-liquids can erode enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, increasing susceptibility to tooth cavity and tooth sensitivity.
Oral mucosal lesions: Vaping is associated with the development of various oral mucosa lesions, including leukoplakia, nicotinic stomatitis, necrotizing gingivitis, black hairy tongue, melanosis, epithelial dysplasia, oral candidiasis (fungal infection) oral ulcers and squamous-cell carcinoma (oral cancer). Oral lesions are also linked to e-cigarette usage.
Oral microbiome
The oral cavity ecosystem is inhabited by more than 700 bacterial species. This provides oral homeostasis and a proper function of the oral cavity and the whole organism. The oral cavity is highly exposed to toxic components and nicotine present in e-liquids, and the interaction of those chemical substances with the microbiome may result in higher susceptibility to infections. e-cigarette aerosols might negatively affect oral bacterial homeostasis by the growth limitation of commensal bacteria.
Effect on Saliva
Saliva is a secretion constantly produced by salivary glands that ensure homeostasis maintenance in the oral cavity. It has also been proven that chemical compounds in e-cigarette vapor dissolve in saliva and impact its biochemical composition and function. It leads to periodontitits, tooth decay, alters saliva pH and has a negative effect on antibacterial function of saliva.
To educate patients about vaping, dentists can take several important steps. First, they should explain that vapes are actually aerosols, not just harmless vapor. Dentists can help by increasing patient recall and maintenance visits, including vaping information in informed consent forms, and warning patients about the potential for increased bleeding tendencies. Heart problems, lungs damage, organ failure, GIT issues, Skin conditions, disturbed sleep, allergic reactions and harmful mental health are the other adverse effects of vaping which should not be ignored.
So stay healthy and quit vaping.
(The author is Associate Professor Deptt of Oral Pathology & Microbiology Indira Gandhi Govt Dental College, Jammu)
The post Vaping threatens Oral Health appeared first on Daily Excelsior.