What are the health risks of vaping?
Although presented as a safer alternative to tobacco, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is associated with a variety of health risks. A visual report from CareQuest Institute explains the risks related to oral health.
Vaping and Mouth Sores
Oral lesions such as nicotine stomatitis (“smoker’s palate”), hairy tongue (discoloration of the tongue), and angular cheilitis (sores in the corners of the mouth) are commonly seen in the mouths of e-cigarette users.
Vaping and Gum Disease
- Individuals who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to report having periodontal (gum) disease compared to those who do not smoke or use other nicotine products.
- E-cigarette use is linked with signs of gum disease such as increased plaque, deeper periodontal pockets around the teeth, and bone loss.
- There is growing evidence that individuals who use e-cigarettes are at a higher risk for dental caries (tooth decay).
Vaping and Oral Cancer
Current evidence is limited, but researchers find environmental toxins in e-cigarettes considerably exceed federal occupational exposure limits and may place users at higher risk for oral cancer.
Oral Health Professionals and Vaping Cessation
Oral health professionals have long been involved in encouraging tobacco cessation with their patients. It is similarly important, report authors note, to discuss e-cigarette use as more evidence emerges about the health risks.
Over the past 15 years, the use of e-cigarettes has increased in the United States, particularly among teenagers. In 2020, approximately 3.6 million adolescents and 9.1 million adults reported e-cigarette use.
You may also be interested in:
- Discussing HPV and Detecting Oral Cancer: The Role of Oral Health Providers, a visual report that summarizes the relationship between HPV and oral cancer, and outlines how dentists and dental hygienists can educate patients and prevent HPV.
- Missed Connections: Providers and Consumer Want More Medical-Dental Integration, a visual report that shares findings from a nationally representative survey of consumers says that health screenings in dental offices are an underutilized opportunity for preventive care.
- Another Billion Reasons for a Medicare Dental Benefit, a research report that analyzes Medicare data finds that including periodontal treatment in Medicare could save up to $42 billion for patients with chronic health conditions.
