E-cigarettes tend to be a popular alternative to the conventional cigarette. While avoiding traditional smoke may be useful, there is still some risk to using e-cigarettes. While using e-cigarettes may not be great for your overall health, would you be surprised to learn that they can affect your oral health as well?
The issue is nicotine; e-cigarettes still allow nicotine into your body. Unfortunately, nicotine can—and will—contribute to receding gums, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Similarly, nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums, meaning they won’t receive enough oxygen—which can lead to a number of issues.
Similarly, because nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict, you may not be able to notice the symptoms of gum disease—and could also be responsible for causing your gum disease. Unfortunately, oxygen deprivation will actually prevent your teeth from bleeding or swelling. This condition could make it difficult for you to notice certain dental issues and could potentially fool your dentist as well.
Also, please remember that your jaws are extremely powerful, but they can be affected by e-cigarettes as well. If you use an e-cigarette, you could ultimately find yourself grinding your teeth. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can lead to a series of major problems, such as headaches, tooth loss, and shifting teeth. If you smoke e-cigarettes, you could also suffer from dry mouth which makes you more prone to cavities.
If you would like to learn more about e-cigarettes, we can help. Our dentist, Dr Blake Lawlor, and our team can help assess your mouth and determine your needs. To schedule an appointment with us, please call us today at 316-684-5511. We look forward to hearing from you!