It’s no surprise that denturists recommend that denture wearers stop smoking. Smoking stains your dentures. The tobacco irritates your gums. Vaping and e-cigarettes have replaced regular cigarettes as a “healthier alternative.” While that is debatable, vaping still affects your oral health in negative ways. The denturists with Baker Lanoue Denture Clinic want you to be informed if you do engage in vaping. Here are some things to consider about vaping if you wear dentures.  

4 Ways Vaping Affects Your Oral Health

Vaping is relatively new and there is a lot we don’t know about vaping. Scientists are still studying the long-term effects of vaping, but there are some things that have been proven.  

Vaping Causes Dry Mouth

The chemicals used in vaping come into contact with your oral tissues. Some of these chemicals dry out the tissues, which leads to bad breath, mouth sores and tooth decay of any natural teeth. Saliva is an important part of your oral health because it moisturizes your mouth and enables smooth speech. Vaping also increases the amounts of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause infections and other problems. Decreased saliva production reduces the natural germ-fighting properties in your mouth.  

Vaping Irritates Your Gums

Vaping products cause tenderness, inflammation and swelling of your gums. This puts you at risk for developing periodontal disease. Wearing dentures when your gums are sore makes them even more sore. You may find it difficult to exert enough pressure to eat and speak normally with your dentures.  

Vaping Kills Oral Cells

The chemicals in the e-juice aren’t benign. Nicotine, carbonyl compounds, volatile organic compounds and even sugar are absorbed into the blood through vaping. Vaping irritates the tissues in your mouth. Over time, this damages the cells in your mouth. When you need dental surgery or treatment, it can take more time for your tissues to heal, which opens the door to complications and infections.  

Vaping Can Stain Your Dentures

Nicotine, in whatever form you take it in, is going to stain your dentures. Dentures cannot be whitened with over-the-counter products. You will have to get your dentures professionally cleaned. It’s an added expense to your denture care routine. Your dentures can also absorb the smell from vaping because the dentures are porous. Unlike stains, the smell cannot be removed.  

It’s easy to advise you to stop smoking or vaping, but we understand that it’s not that easy to quit the habit. Vaping may be part of your self-directed ‘program’ to step down from tobacco products. If you vape, be aware of how it will affect your oral health. Work with your denturist at Baker Lanoue Denture Clinic to find ways to minimize the impact of vaping on your oral health and dentures. Make an appointment for professional dental care to keep your smile healthy.  

If you live in Windsor or the surrounding area, please call 519-252-7772 to book your appointment or request a consultation online.