Whereas Tobacco Free Month is coming to an endmany (ex-)smokers have started the famous electronic cigaretteor vapoteuse for the close friends, to try to reduce or even completely stop their tobacco consumption. If it has already been proven that the electronic cigarette is not not completely harmlessdid you know she was also harmful to our teeth ? According to an American study, almost 80% of patients who vape are at high risk of cavities. Explanations.
A less harmful alternative to cigarettes
Unlike a traditional cigarette, the vapot does not contain carbon monoxide or tar. It is therefore, a priori, less harmful than tobaccobut the WHO and national agencies such as Public Health France are still warning about the presence of particles and potentially carcinogenic or toxic substances.
Severe warning from the WHO on electronic cigarettes https://t.co/Bzi79cNunB
— The World (@lemondefr) August 13, 2019
Composed, among other things, of a resistor and a liquid reservoir, E-cigarette allows you to create a vapor to inhale, similar to that of tobacco. This vapor is actually created by heating a liquid, usually flavored fruit flavor vanilla, bubble gum or other sweetnessbut who contains mostly sugar. A substance bad, not for the lungs, but for the teeth.
Sugar on your teeth when you vape
According to a study, which will be published in full on December 1, 2022 in The Journal of the American Dental Association, the flavored liquid of electronic cigarettes would promote the appearance of dental caries in vapers.
Using vapes may set the stage for dental decay @TuftsUniversity @PLOSONE https://t.co/DUXeuX55V4 https://t.co/QQ6lvK232J
— Medical Xpress (@medical_xpress) November 23, 2022
Until now, scientists have mainly focused on the effects of chemicals on the lungs, but ” the extent of the effects on dental health, particularly tooth decay, is still relatively unknown “says Karina Irusa, Assistant Professor of Comprehensive Care at Tufts University School of Medicine (USA) and lead author of the study, in a press release. She and her team have followed 13,000 patients treated for dental problems, for nearly three years. They then found a statistically significant difference in levels of risk of tooth decay between the e-cigarette/vaping group and the control group “say the scientists.
Electronic cigarettes increase the risk of cavities https://t.co/5dwIGgmmV2 #Alaune #caries #electronic cigarette #oralhealth #vaper pic.twitter.com/antnvtj0Y2
— destinationsante.com (@destinationsant) November 28, 2022
In total, 79% of patients who used electronic cigarettes had cavities, located in particular at the level of the “lower edge of the front teeth”. In question: the viscosity and the sugar content of the liquid which, when inhaled, would stick to the teeth. The study also showed that ” vaping aerosols alter the oral microbiome, making it more hospitable to cavity-causing bacteria “, is it specified in the press release.
To limit the appearance of cavities, scientists advise vapers tobe more “rigorous” when brushing their teeth, but also to consult a dentist on a regular basis. Even if the best solution remains to quit smoking without vaping.