Vaping and energy drinks are two common indulgences for many Americans. This also means that sadly many are experiencing the negative effects of these products to their dental health.
Dentists across the country are seeing a rise in patients reporting problems ultimately resulting from vape usage and/or energy drink consumption ranging from bad breath, yellow smiles, to mouth cancer.
If you want to protect your smile, limit use and see your dentist regularly.
To help you take control of your oral health, we’ve outlined how each product can damage your smile and ways you can reduce your risks.
How Vaping Damages Oral Health
Vaping can cause problems with your oral health that range from minor cosmetic issues all the way to life threatening ones. For starters, like cigarettes, the smoke from vaping can penetrate enamel and discolor teeth, leaving you with a dull smile.
Over time, the teeth can even shift to yellow hues that can’t be removed by simple brushing. Further, vaping can cause chronic dry mouth which is a breeding ground for bacteria that lead to bad breath and gum sensitivity.
Most people also don’t realize that some vaping pens, especially those with strong flavors, can also be acidic to tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity and likelihood of cavities.
These pens also contain chemicals that can irritate the gums, causing them to swell or even become infected in extreme cases. Because vaping is done frequently, gums never have time to heal, and the damage is compounded over time.
Finally – and most frighteningly – vaping can still increase your risk of developing oral cancer. While the percentage might not be as high as smoking cigarettes, you still need to determine if it’s worth the risk.
How Energy Drinks Damage Oral Health
You might love the burst that comes from an energy drink, but unfortunately you won’t like the effects it can have on your smile. A majority of energy drinks are incredibly acidic, which means they can break down the protective enamel on your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to cavities. It can also cause gum sensitivity, or even bleeding gums after prolonged exposure.
Additionally, sugars commonly found in popular energy drink brands can encourage bacteria growth that lead to bad breath or worsening gum disease.
This is worsened by the fact that many consumers tend to slowly drink these liquids or have multiple a day, meaning the teeth never get a break from the onslaught of acidity and sugars!
Preventative Measures
If you can’t avoid these habits altogether, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the risks to your oral health. For starters, regular dental checkups are a must for everyone, but are especially important if exposing your teeth to extra damage.
Hygienists can remove any built-up plaque and tartar, while the dentist themselves can examine your mouth and look for any warning signs of bigger problems to come, especially things like oral cancer.
Keeping a toothbrush handy is another way you can cut down on the harm vaping and/or energy drinks can do. While it might be annoying, a quick trip to the bathroom to brush after engaging in one or both of the activities can limit the amount of time the substance(s) linger on your teeth, equaling less damage.
Additionally, this habit can help you realize just how many drinks or vape breaks you’re taking a day as many patients report not realizing just how frequently they were consuming.
You should also refrain from either after you’ve brushed your teeth for the final time in the evening because letting substances linger on the teeth overnight can cause even more issues.
Finally, using floss and mouth wash in addition to regular brushing each time can help protect your teeth and gums from the negative effects of vaping and energy drinks.
Keep Your Smile Healthy — Sedki Dentistry
Vaping and energy drinks can be tough on teeth and gums—dry mouth, enamel erosion, stains, and cavities are all more likely. If quitting or cutting back feels hard, we’re here to help protect your teeth and mouth.
Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Township offers preventive visits, gentle treatments, and practical at-home tips to keep your smile healthy. Ready to take the next step? Contact our Commerce Township dental office today!