Can Dentists Tell if You Vape? The Truth
A question that we frequently get asked is ‘can dentists tell if you vape?’. In this blog post, we will discuss this question in detail.
The Answer
The short answer is yes. Dentists can tell if you vape for a number of reasons, such as:
- Nicotine can stain teeth and gums: When nicotine is mixed with salvia in your mouth, it can cause your teeth to stain, either yellow or brown. These stains will be picked up by dentists.
- Vaping can make your mouth dry: Nicotine can cause your mouth to dry up, as it decreases the amount of saliva in your mouth due to the PG (Propylene Glycol) that is contained in the e-liquid. Dry mouth can lead to more plaque and in extreme cases, it can lead to gum disease.
- Tooth cavities can be caused as a result of vaping: PG can damage your tooth’s enamel, which makes your teeth more prone to cavities.
Can the Dentist Tell My Parents I Vape?
If you are a teenager and you are visiting the dentist with your parents or guardian, they will not tell your parents about vaping. If they notice that oral issues are occurring due to vaping, then they might speak to you one-on-one to inform you about the issue and encourage you to reduce how often you vape or to give it up altogether.
Is Smoking Worse For Your Teeth Than Vaping?
Smoking is worse for your teeth than vaping. E-liquids do not contain the same toxic chemicals that are found in tobacco. Whilst nicotine is bad for your oral health, chemicals such as tar have a harsher effect.
Smoking can cause a range of oral problems that vaping does not, such as:
[Taken from WebMD]
- Bad breath
- Tooth discolouration
- Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
- Increased buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth
- Increased loss of bone within the jaw
- Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth
- Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss
- Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery
- Lower success rate of dental implant procedures
- Increased risk of developing oral cancer
How Can I Minimise the Impact of Vaping on My Oral Health?
There are a few measures that you can take to minimise the impact of vaping on your oral health, which might make it more difficult for a dentist to notice that you vape.
One of the ways is to avoid high sugar drinks and foods, such as fizzy sweets or full fat drinks. Or, if you do consume any of these, then you should ensure that you properly brush your teeth, floss regularly and invest in a good mouthwash.
A way to prevent mouth dryness is to keep hydrated. Vaping may make your mouth dryer and you more thirsty than usual. You should drink 2 litres or 6 to 8 cups of water per day to reap the benefits of it.
It is important to brush your teeth properly and regularly. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a firm toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, you should also floss at least once a day. Read this article for more tips for brushing your teeth.