Vaping could make your teeth 'thinner' - and other side effects you probably didn't know

A dentist has warned of the long-term effects vaping can have on your oral health. She even warns certain side effects of the habit can be easily spotted in your mouth by your dentist.

Dr Shaadi Manouchehri, a London-based dentist who has amassed more than 295,000 followers on TikTok, shared a number of ways that vaping is "ruining your smile". She said it can lead to some long-term damage such as gum disease and could even be making your teeth thinner.

She said: "The nicotine contained in vape juice, although lower than traditional tobacco products, can lead to the restriction of blood flow to the mouth. It can also reduce the mouth's ability to fight infections, leading to gum disease and even tooth loss in severe cases.

"Vaping can actually cause thinning of the enamel. An ingredient in vape juice called propylene glycol is toxic to enamel. Although it is safe to eat and inhale, when taken orally it can actually weaken the enamel and make it more prone to getting things like cavities.

"This ingredient is usually turned into an acid in the mouth which can not only weaken enamel but can actually irritate the soft tissue. It can cause dry mouth which means reduced saliva and therefore the body's ability to protect the mouth is reduced."

She added that a common problem for patients who use flavoured vapes is an increased risk of needing a filling. She said: "Vegetable glycerol in vape juice, coupled with the flavourings that are often used, can increase the stickiness of bacteria to the surface of the teeth and lead to more bacteria (up to four times more) staying on top of the teeth and this can lead to cavities.

"The flavourings can also physically reduce the hardness of the tooth by up to 27%, which means you are more likely to get cavities."

According to Bupa Dental, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, opens up another world of problems for vapers. Similar to smoking, vaping "may stimulate muscular activity which can cause teeth grinding" and bring about complications and discomfort associated with it.

There are several things that you can do to reduce the impact of vaping on your teeth, gums and overall oral health. These include:

• Quit vaping altogether.

• Consider alternatives such as sugar-free chewing gum or xylitol mints to help handle addiction.

• Dehydration caused by vaping negatively impacts the natural bacterial defences in your mouth. Drinking plenty of water will help counteract this damage.

• Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly. Dental professionals will be able to spot early warning signs of oral health concerns and assist in tackling issues that may arise.

• Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Daily flossing or interdental cleaning with brushes is essential for everybody to maintain healthy teeth and gums.