How Electronic Cigarettes Can Affect Your Teeth

It’s recently been found that approximately 10% of high school aged kids have used or currently use electronic cigarettes. This is much higher than the adult average, which is only around 2.8%. A lot of these high schoolers believe that electronic cigarettes are healthier than smoking traditional cigarettes, and many adults claim to have quit smoking by switching to e-cigarettes. There are currently no studies that indicate that electronic cigarettes are any less dangerous than traditional cigarettes.

When it comes to teenagers smoking electronic cigarettes, it’s important for parents to note that electronic cigarettes still contain nicotine and there’s no question that nicotine is dangerous for the body.

How nicotine impacts oral health

Nicotine will cause narrowing of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow throughout the body. This will cause many health issues, but one of the main dental health problems caused by reduced blood flow is the increased risk of gum disease and periodontitis. When less blood is delivered to the gums, less oxygen, and fewer nutrients will also be absorbed. This may lead to the symptoms of gum disease, which include red and bleeding gums, bad breath, and eventual tooth loss.

Many people feel safer using electronic cigarettes than they would smoking regular cigarettes. However, the end result is actually the same. Nicotine is still nicotine, no matter how it’s being delivered into the body. With electronic cigarettes being marketed mostly towards young adults and teens, it’s important to educate your children about the dangers of nicotine.

We specialize in root canal therapy only, but we are still dentists. Consider your oral health habits and the impacts eternal influences can have. Your oral health is important to us. To schedule an appointment for root canal treatment or simply to ask us dental related questions, please contact Endodontic Specialists of Colorado today. Our offices are located in Colorado Springs North and Pueblo.