E-cigarettes may still harm oral health, study reveals

It’s time to think twice about using your electronic cigarettes.

Studies show that there is still nicotine that can cause oral diseases in e-cigarette products.

In a recent product sampling, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that users still inhale nicotine, toxic chemicals and other carcinogens even though they use e-cigarettes.

How does nicotine affect oral health?

Nicotine can cause gum recession and other oral health problems because it reduces the amount of blood that flows through your veins.

Without sufficient blood flow, the gums do not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Because nicotine constricts blood flow, it inhibits your body’s ability to produce saliva. If there is not enough saliva in your mouth, it can build up bacteria which can bad breath and tooth decay.

A report published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology has stated that nicotine may contribute significantly to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause bad breath and inflammation throughout the body. Even more concerning for smokers is the fact that cardiologists and periodontists have long suspected a possible link between the health of your gums and the health of your heart.

A study of 540 Swedish adults 20-70 years of age has revealed that oral disease is considerably higher for tobacco users. Researchers found the 70 percent of smokers have oral health problems compared to non-smokers.

Nicotine also stains the teeth. It is a colorless substance but when mixed with oxygen it turns yellow. When you smoke a cigarette, nicotine settles into your oral cavity, resulting in a yellow/ brown discoloration of the tooth surface.

Because smoking has such an impact on oral health, dentists are eager to offer guidance to their patients who are trying to get rid of their smoking habit.