E-cigarette: what risks for your oral health?
Since 2016, the electronic cigarette and its various versions have appeared on the market. Used by 3 million people today, some studies have shown the harmfulness of these products.
The electronic cigarette was first invented in China in 2003, and then quickly became available on the market. It is mainly used as a substitute for cigarettes. However, it has been proven that the e-cigarette is far from being a risk-free option. Indeed, the risks of developing cavities or other periodontal diseases remain very high, according to a study conducted by the Journal of the American Dental Association. These risks are mainly due to the ingredients found in vaping and of course nicotine, whose rate can go up to 20mg / ml.
Beyond the diseases, the electronic cigarette can create a strong addiction. For some smokers, it is a substitute to stop smoking but for others it represents an incentive to smoke. The E-cigarette can therefore be at the origin of a strong addiction. Added to this, the fear of consulting a professional for some people makes it complicated to manage and monitor these potential diseases.
Here is a summary of the harmful effects of the electronic cigarette:
- Potential addiction to tobacco
- Yellowing and stains on the teeth
- Appearance of harmful bacteria and consequently cavities
- Bone loss
- Inflammation of the gums and therefore infections
- Loss of teeth (nicotine prevents fighting infections)
The marketing techniques to underestimate the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes are numerous: fruity tastes, lack of tobacco smell, design of cigarettes, fashion effects … It is therefore important to keep in mind that your oral health does not just count for the physical appearance but reflects your general health. However, we still lack of hindsight to measure the real effects of the e-cigarette but we already know that it is not a completely healthy way to smoke.
