The debate over whether electronic cigarettes are significantly better than regular cigarettes has been raging ever since their advent. Research continues on the subject, yet fails to come up with definitive conclusions on the ill effects of e-cigarettes.
This much we know for sure though, while e-cigarettes certainly aren’t good for your health in any way, they do reduce the adverse effects experienced by smokers who consume regular tobacco.
E-cigarettes were introduced almost 10 years ago with one main difference when compared to traditional cigarettes: they are tobacco-free. E-cigarettes use vaporizers instead of burning actual tobacco. The liquid in the cigarette turns into vapor, which is then inhaled, or “vaped.”
What are the key differences between e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes? There are four things to be aware of.
1. The Amount of Nicotine
Inhaling nicotine generally has a negative effect on the body, especially the mouth. The problems can range from simple bad breath or a tooth aches to various types of cancer, including but not limited to mouth, lunch, pancreatic, and blood cancer.
Even though traditional and electronic cigarettes both contain nicotine, the e-cigarette lets you choose the amount of nicotine in the liquid. This allows you the freedom to limit your nicotine concentration, and therefore the effect it has on your teeth.
Now, why would you want to limit your nicotine intake? Nicotine, regardless of the concentration, is a vasoconstrictor, which causes reduced blood flow to your mouth. This causes a decrease in white blood cells around your mouth region, which further causes high amounts of bacteria to buildup and therefore a higher risk of infection to develop.
Increased nicotine intake also results in decreased saliva production, which causes the mouth and teeth to be dry. Having a dry mouth further predisposes you to a buildup of harmful bacteria. A state that is naturally followed by an increase in medical and health problems overall.
2. Glycerin and Propylene Glycol
E-cigarettes contain Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. These two ingredients found in e-cigarettes are also found in your toothpaste.
When smoking an E-cigarette, these two substances are released into your mouth to form a coating over the surface of your teeth.
They help prevent water loss, therefore preventing dry teeth and buildup of bacteria.
3. Causes of Stained Teeth
Ingredients in traditional cigarettes can result in yellow and stained teeth. Although this discolouration can generally be overcome by visiting a dentist, it can also be avoided by using an e-cigarette.
E-cigarettes don’t release the various chemicals that conventional cigarettes do and therefore automatically overcome this problem.
4. Increased Rate of Recovery
Smoking causes the recovery process in the mouth to slow down after infection, treatment, or surgery. E-cigarettes don’t have such an effect and are therefore safer to use after your visit to the dentist.
Conclusion
Even though we’ve discussed the positive points of switching from a conventional cigarette to an e-cigarettes, it’s still not a safe habit. Like we mentioned before, e-cigarettes still have nicotine in them, and nicotine has it’s own serious consequences on overall health. But as far as overall dental health goes, e-cigarettes are probably a safer choice.
If you have any other questions about proper oral care or the effects of e-cigarettes on teeth, contact us.
