Can a dentist tell if you vape? That question has a simple yet complicated answer. Simply put, yes. Dentists can tell if you vape. The complicated answer is that there are many factors that come into play that determine how difficult it is for the dentist to tell. They have to consider how frequently you vape and how long you have been vaping. The more you vape, the easier it will be for your dentist to know.
Another reason why dentists can almost always tell when someone vapes is because of the effects that nicotine causes in the mouth. Dentists are highly trained to identify oral health problems and habits, so it will be easy for them to notice any issues in the mouth because of nicotine use.
Signs That Give You Away
Below is a list of some of the most common signs that someone vapes that a dentist would recognize:
- Bad breath
- Dry mouth
- Canker sores
- Yellow or brown nicotine stains on teeth and tongue
- Breathing difficulties and smoker’s cough
- Oral thrush
Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth?
To be perfectly straightforward, vaping is bad for your teeth. Along with affecting the condition of your teeth, it negatively impacts your mouth, lips, throat, tongue, and much more beyond oral health.
One of the worst consequences of vaping is that it can lead to developing certain types of cancers, especially oral cancer. In fact, 90% of people diagnosed with oral cancers are smokers and vapers. Some people may think that vaping is better than smoking for their health, but enough research has not been conducted to confirm that. Vaping and smoking can be difficult habits to break, but lessening usage can significantly improve one’s health.
What Does Vaping Do to Your Mouth?
As mentioned earlier, vaping creates several bad effects on your mouth, but some of the most common signs that vapers have is dry mouth, yellow or brown stains on the teeth, and mouth burns.
Dry Mouth
Most e-liquids used in vaping contain ingredients that absorb moisture, which leads to dry mouth. When you inhale the vaporized liquid, it absorbs moisture from the entire mouth cavity, leading to an uncomfortable sensation of dryness.
Another factor that contributes to dry mouth is nicotine. Less saliva is produced when nicotine is in the mouth because it reduces blood flow to the salivary glands. The normal functions of the glands are disrupted with the reduced blood flow and leads to decreased saliva production and dry mouth.
Yellow and Brown Stains
In addition to causing dry mouth, nicotine found in tobacco products causes the teeth to yellow and brown. When tobacco products are burned and inhaled, they produce tar, which is a sticky and thick substance. The tar and nicotine create residues that create a layer of residue on teeth that is very difficult to remove.
Nicotine also has a natural tendency to bind to the porous enamel surface of teeth and cause staining. The staining is most often a yellowish to brownish color, and that can vary depending on how frequently the tobacco use takes place.
Mouth Burns
Both minor and major mouth burns can happen and cause oral injuries because vaping devices contain hot vapor. The mouth is full of delicate tissues, which can be risky when hot vapor is being drawn into the mouth when someone vapes. When the vapor causes burns from the high temperatures, it has similar effects as the way hot food or beverages can burn the mouth.
Newer and more advanced vaping devices are made with adjustable power settings, which can include very high wattages that increase the risk of burns because of extremely hot vapors. Some devices may even overheat and malfunction, so you should always be careful and use caution when vaping.
Reduce Impacts of Vaping on Oral Health
Just like someone who doesn’t vape, people who do vape should implement practices to promote good oral health. Taking action can help alleviate some of the effects that come from vaping.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is something you can do to help your teeth stay healthy. Consistently brushing helps to remove plaque and tartar build-up, especially when it is caused by vaping. Dentists will usually prescribe a fluoride toothpaste to give a deeper clean for those who vape.
Floss
An important step that many people skip is flossing. Flossing is extremely beneficial for preserving healthy gums, reducing the risk of cavities, and preventing gum disease. It is also an effective way to reach stubborn food particles that get stuck between teeth.
Visit the Dentist
You may be nervous about going to the dentist if you vape, but your dentist will be able to help you have good oral health. Visiting the dentist will give you the best clean you can get, while also receiving credible advice on how to preserve your teeth and mouth.
Visit Mountain View Dental
If you are ready to take a big step and visit the dentist, Mountain View Dental is the place for you. Our team of professionals will give you incredible service and provide a comfortable environment to help you achieve your dental goals. We offer multiple services including teeth cleanings, dental fillings, and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today and get your teeth looking amazing!