Can the Dentist Tell if You Vape?

Smoking cigarettes leaves tell-tale signs on your teeth, not to mention your fingers, your clothes, your skin. But what about vaping? Does vaping also leave tell-tale signs? Can the dentist tell if you've ever vaped?

Let's find out...

Smoking cigarettes is bad for your teeth

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. It can cause tooth discolouration, bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce your risk of these issues and lead to better overall oral health.

By switching to vaping, you're taking an important step towards protecting your teeth and gums from the serious damage caused by tobacco smoke.

But before we get into that, let's take a look at vaping and oral health.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices

E-cigarettes heat e-liquid (vape juice) to create a vapour which is then inhaled. This e-liquid typically contains a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and nicotine (at least, the e-liquids at 88Vape contain just these four things, nothing more, however some of our e-liquids are 100% nicotine free).

The vaping devices themselves can take many forms, from small 'cigalike' devices that resemble cigarettes, to larger box mods with customisable settings and features. Regardless of what the device looks like, fundamentally they do the same thing - when you take a 'drag' from your device, the heating element vaporises the e-liquid, creating a cloud of aerosol that you inhale into your lungs.

So, how does this vapour affect your oral health?

Does vaping cause oral health problems?

Well, while research on the long-term effects of vaping is still ongoing, some studies suggest that e-cigarette vapour can potentially have negative impacts on oral health. For example, one study found that vaping can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the gums, which can contribute to periodontal disease.

Other studies have suggested that vaping may also cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

But, and this is a pretty big but, it's important to emphasise one thing: while vaping may have some potential impact on your dental health, it's still a far better option than cigarette smoking when it comes to oral health.

How can the dentist tell if you vape?

So, can the dentist tell that you've vaped? Well, the answer is: it depends.

As mentioned above, while there aren't actually any tests a dentist can do to test whether you vape or not, there are some giveaway signs that a dentist might look for.

Some of the most common include:

Discolouration of teeth and tongue

E-cigarette vapour can cause your teeth and tongue to stain. Over time, these stains can become more pronounced and difficult to remove.

How can e-cigarettes damage your teeth when they don't contain the same chemicals and tobacco found in cigarettes? Well, if your e-liquid contains nicotine, even though you're ingesting it in a much safer way than smoking, the nicotine can still damage your teeth and gums. That's because nicotine constricts blood vessels which can result in poor circulation, which in turn can lead to decreased blood flow to the gums. This can cause gum tissue to become inflamed and even infected, leading to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and eventually tooth loss.

Plus, when nicotine mixes with saliva, it can stain your teeth yellow.

Dry mouth

As we mentioned above, vaping can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva can lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Your dentist may notice signs of your dry mouth during a routine check-up, such as a lack of saliva in your mouth or a sticky feeling on your teeth.

Bad breath

Vaping can cause bad breath. Not the stinky breath caused by smoking cigarettes, but rather as a result of oral health problems.

Now, while none of these signs are clear indications that you vape, however, if your dentist does notice anything untoward in your mouth during a check-up, it's always a good idea to come clean and discuss your vaping habits with them to see if vaping could be contributing to any oral health problems you're experiencing, and in particular, so your dentist can suggest ways to improve your dental health.

What can you do to maintain good oral health if you vape?

So, if you vape and you're worried about your mouth, there are some simple things you can do to enjoy vaping without it impacting your oral health:

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is always beneficial. Drinking plenty of water will keep your mouth refreshed, preventing dry mouth, which, as mentioned above, can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Chew sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, which in turn can help counteract any drying effects caused by vaping. Saliva also contains natural antibacterial properties, which can help keep your mouth healthy and free from nasty plaque bacteria.

Use a fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride is a mineral that helps remineralise teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to decay. Gargling with a fluoride mouthwash after you vape can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, not to mention, it'll freshen your breath.

Limit sugary snacks and drinks

If you want to protect your teeth, cut down on sugary snacks and drinks, as these can increase the risk of cavities. In fact, limiting your intake of these is good for your general health.

Regular dental check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are important for everyone, but they're especially important if you're a vaper. Your dentist can help identify any potential oral health problems early on.

Quit smoking

If you haven't already, quit smoking traditional cigarettes and switch to vaping.

Shop 88Vape for E-Liquids & Vaping Products You Can Trust

For high-quality vaping products at an affordable price, (that don't impact your oral health) look no further than 88Vape.

Our e-liquids and vaping products are trusted by customers all over the UK, and with free delivery on orders over £15, there's never been a better time to try us out.

So why compromise on quality (and potentially damage your teeth), when you can have the best of both worlds? Shop 88Vape today and experience vaping the way it was meant to be.