Vaping can also hurt your teeth

Americans smoke fewer cigarettes than ever before.

But that does not mean that cigarettes are completely endangered.

Steam appliances, also known as electronic cigarettes, have gained popularity in recent years.

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Juul, which holds nearly three quarters of the US market share, is at the forefront. From 2017 to 2018, Juul sales increased by almost 800%.

At first glance, these devices seem healthier than tobacco, but they present many of the same risks – and even some new risks.

Since last month, federal authorities have reported more than 400 cases of serious lung disease that may be related to the atmosphere.

Dr. Barbara Keber, director of family medicine at Glen Cove Health Hospital in New York at Northwell Health, told Healthline that the situation was serious.

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"Many of these people have actually had a fan for this acute illness," she said. "Most of them are actually teenagers or young adults, who use electronic cigarettes or nicotine instead of smoking."

Your family doctor will probably tell you that vaping is a bad habit for your body.

Meanwhile, your dentist might explain why it is bad for your teeth.

Like cigarettes, vape machines – juul or others – are not good for oral health.

Here are some of the risks that devices may present for your teeth.

Gingivitis

This oral disease causes inflammation of the gums and can progress to more serious conditions if left untreated.

Bad breath is one of the most common symptoms.

Heather Kunen, DDS, MS, orthodontist and co-founder of Beam Street Dental Clinic in New York, told Healthline that nicotine contracted blood vessels and prevented good blood flow.

This means, she says, that vaping (or smoking) can contribute to the development of gingivitis.

Kunen says that when it comes to convincing younger people not to consume nicotine, she usually appeals to their vanity, explaining what gingivitis can do.

"I tell them that they are still smoking or spraying, their breath is going to smell and they are more likely to lose their teeth," she said.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a more advanced stage of gingivitis, characterized by tissue problems surrounding the teeth.

Keber told Healthline that the components in the vaporized nicotine form fertile ground for the bacteria along the gums.

"The decomposition of some of these products absolutely softened the tooth enamel and degraded it," she explained. "It's an element of it. But these products also adhere to saliva in the mouth and create a place where bacteria actually settle in small crevices and between teeth. It increases the bacterial component in the mouth, giving way to gum disease. "

When gingivitis and periodontal disease are not controlled, teeth may be lost. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.

Dental caries and lily of the valley

Both of these conditions are caused by dry mouth.

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Vaping is a major risk factor, because of the way that steam affects conditions in the mouth.

"We do not know exactly what all the ingredients are in the liquid used to vaporize nicotine," said Keber. "One of the ingredients known to be in the vaporizing liquid, however, is propylene glycol, which is something similar to what is used in antifreeze. And once you have vaporized, the decomposition includes rather harmful products. "

Propylene glycol limits moisture by binding to the inside of the mouth. This leads to dry mouth and dry throat, both of which contribute to tooth decay and thrush.

These chemicals also have a way of softening enamel in the teeth, which also contributes to unwanted effects.

"This softening of the enamel gives rise to an increased risk of developing dental caries or dental caries," said Kunen.

Cancer of the mouth

There is a perception that vaping may not be healthy, but healthier than smoking.

"No company has been able to show scientific evidence that electronic cigarettes are safe or a healthier alternative to smoking," Kunen said. "Preliminary studies by national health organizations show that e-cigarettes pose enormous health risks and contain carcinogens that can cause DNA changes leading to cancer."

A study, published last year by the American Chemical Society, has in fact concluded that vaping chemicals can damage DNA, thus increasing the risk of developing cancer.

"The vapor breaks down into acetic acid, lactic acid and propionaldehyde, all of which are toxic and toxic to the tissues of the oral cavity," said Keber.

Vap or not to vape?

Vaping is a fairly new practice for the scientific literature to continue to play its catch-up role.

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Kunen says that although e-cigarettes may appeal to those looking for an alternative to cigarettes, they should be avoided at all costs.

"E-cigarettes are not safe and are not a healthier alternative to tobacco cigarettes, period," she said. "Their elegant appearance and vapor-shaped aerosol mask the danger that lies before them. The high popularity of Juul and other electronic cigarettes, especially among the young population, should be a major concern and the risks associated with electronic cigarettes need to be the object of greater publicity. "

This article was posted for the first time on HealthLine.com.