A common perception is that vaping is a harmless alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is very unfortunate. While e-cigarettes may help you avoid lung cancer and smelling like a smokestack, this oral habit is still very dangerous for your oral health. When it comes to teenagers’ oral health, the risk is even greater, as they may not be aware of the irreversible health risks that are lingering behind the enticing flavors of their “vape juice.”
An alarming and growing number of teens have begun vaping. In fact, a recent survey shows that as many as 37% of high school seniors and more than 17% of eighth-graders vaped in the previous year. If you are a parent of an adolescent who is vaping, there is reason to be concerned. Not only does vaping still involve nicotine, but there are also chemicals and toxins in electronic cigarettes that pose a threat to their health. Research suggests that teen vapers are also more likely to be adult smokers. When it comes to their smile health, however, this “phase” of high school vaping could be causing permanent damage to their gums with a risk of tooth loss.
Here are five frightening facts about how vaping can endanger your teen’s smile:
- Nicotine can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
- Propylene glycol is toxic to enamel and soft tissue.
- Vegetable glycerin and flavorings help bacteria stick to (already soft) teeth.
- Lithium batteries pose a risk of overheating and explosions.
- There is still much research to be done to realize the long-term effects of vaping.
It is not always easy to convince your teen about the dangers of vaping, as they are all desperate to fit in. However, consider it’s a habit that impacts their smile health and future well-being, it is a battle worth fighting. For more information on oral health risks of vaping, please call Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry.
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