E-cigarettes tend to be a popular alternative to the conventional cigarette. While avoiding traditional smoke may be useful, there is still some risk to using them. Furthermore, using e-cigarettes may not be great for your overall health, would you be surprised to learn that they can affect your oral health as well?
While e-cigarettes may be better for you than other cigarettes, they still contain the addictive drug nicotine, which has been linked to gum recession, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Nicotine has been shown to restrict blood flow to your gums, which means your gums won’t get the proper amount of oxygen and can lead to a number of problems.
Similarly, because nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict, you may not be able to notice the symptoms of gum disease—and could also be responsible for causing your gum disease. Unfortunately, oxygen deprivation will actually prevent your teeth from bleeding or swelling. This condition could make it difficult for you to notice certain dental issues and could potentially fool your dentist as well.
Finally, your jaw is very powerful, but it can be affected by the nicotine in an e-cigarette. In fact, nicotine can even cause you to grind your teeth, which can lead to a number of complications. Furthermore, E-cigarettes can also cause dry mouth, which can create a perfect habitat for bacteria to grow and form cavities.
If you would like to learn more about e-cigarettes, we can help. Our dentist, Dr Omar Damji, and our team can help assess your mouth and determine your needs. To schedule an appointment with us, please call Executive Park Dentistry at 404-633-1853. We look forward to hearing from you!