Vaping is less of a health threat than smoking, unless it's about oral health!
The harms of smoking are well known, so it is no surprise that many people, especially among the younger generations, are looking for a “healthier” way to deal with nicotine addiction in the form of so-called vapes. Also known as electronic cigarettes, these devices convert nicotine liquid into an aerosol vapor that is inhaled. The first electronic cigarette was invented in 2004 by Chinese inventor Hong Lik. His father died of lung cancer and through his invention Mr. Lik wants to help smokers around the world. There is a widespread belief that vapes are a harmless alternative to traditional tobacco products. In recent years, vapes are available in many tempting flavors and more and more teenagers are starting to use them.
Statistics show that 40% of high school students and 20% of eighth graders use vapes.
Много родители не се притесняват от тази статистика, тъй като децата все пак не употребяват тютюневи цигари. Проблемът обаче е, че учениците, които употребяват вейпове са по-склонни в последствие да преминат към тютюневи изделия. Освен това вейповете причиняват трайно увреждане на венците, което в дългосрочен план може да доведе до загуба на зъби. В настоящата статия ще ви запознаем как точно вейповете вредят на оралното здраве.
Nicotine damages gums, which can lead to tooth loss.
Отрицателният ефект на никотина върху венците е добре известен. Никотинът не само ограничава притока на кръв към венците, но и засяга естествената способност на организма за борба с инфекциите и да възстановява съединителната тъкан, което води до по-висок риск от заболяване на венците и загуба на зъби. Дори и да не съдържа никотин, останалите съставки в течността за електронните цигари също могат да окажат отрицателно въздействие върху оралното здраве.
Propylene glycol is toxic to enamel and soft tissues
One of the main ingredients in vape liquid is propylene glycol (PG), which is safe to inhale, but when taken orally, it breaks down into acids that damage enamel. Propylene glycol causes dry mouth, and reduced saliva production leads to the development of cavities and gum disease.
Drinking more water helps rehydrate the mouth, but it is not a substitute for saliva. Saliva contains compounds that protect teeth from the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the main causes of cavities. Another worrying trend is observed in teenagers. They often consume soft drinks and energy drinks to cope with dry mouth. However, this increases the negative impact of Propylene Glycol, since these drinks contain sugar. Sugar feeds bacteria and acids, which leads to further erosion of tooth enamel.
Vegetable glycerin and flavorings help bacteria stick to teeth
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a slightly sticky liquid sweetener that helps bacteria stick to the grooves of the biting surface of the teeth. When we add flavorings, the picture becomes even more unpleasant. Young people love pleasant aromas, but the combination of vegetable glycerin and flavorings leads to 4 times!!! more microbes adhering to the teeth and doubles the growth of biofilm. In addition, flavorings reduce the hardness of tooth enamel by 27%.
The combination of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings creates ideal conditions for the development of cavities, gum infections, and ultimately tooth loss. As the youth say – It’s not cool!
Lithium batteries can overheat and even explode.
This is a rare occurrence, but there have been cases of e-cigarettes exploding, which can cause serious damage to the mouth and face. Overheating batteries are usually caused by misuse or improper care of the device. This problem should not be underestimated, as the consequences can be quite serious.
Vaping is rapidly gaining popularity among teenagers, but few realize the damage these devices are doing to their smiles. The chemicals in e-cigarettes have been linked to yellowing teeth, gum disease, and an increased risk of cavities. Oral health should be a priority, and vaping is not only compromising the beauty of your smile, but also your long-term oral health.
Parents, talk to your teenage children constantly to discourage them from using vapes and tobacco products!
