When we think of vaping, we often think of it as a safer option to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that e-cigarette vapors could have a damaging effect on your mouth.

Ingredients in E-Juice

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way that other tobacco products are, meaning that there is little knowledge of the exact ingredients. There are a number of harmful substances found in E-juice including nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, propylene glycol, and more.

Some of these ingredients can be proven safe in things like artificial flavoring in foods, but the effects they can have when heated, turned into a vapor and then inhaled, have not been researched fully.

Vaping and Oral Health

According to a recent study done from UCLA, vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity which is the area of your mouth even beyond your teeth and gums. There was an experiment conducted where e-cigarette smoke was placed with oral cells in an environment

for 24 hours, and 85% of the exposed cells died.

As these cells die, or become less effective, your mouth can become more likely to develop oral diseases. What is worrying about this is that these oral cavity cells function as an important part of your body’s natural defense system.

According to another study run by the University of Rochester Medical Center, it was concluded that e-cigarettes can be equally as bad for your gums as regular tobacco products. A known factor contributing to gum disease is nicotine which is found in all types of cigarettes.

What Steps Can You Take?

It is best to avoid smoking regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, because they have both been shown to cause similar oral health problems. By using these products you are putting yourself at risk by negatively impacting the cells in your mouth that your body uses to defend itself against dangerous bacteria.

If you are a smoker of any type, make sure you are regularly visiting our office. Our experienced dental team will give you a complete oral exam and check for signs of oral diseases, including cancer.

Contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics today for more healthy mouth tips and to schedule your next visit.

Do you see flecks of blood while brushing or flossing your teeth? Swollen, red, or tender gums can bleed during your regular oral hygiene routine, even if you feel you are being gentle. It is important that you do not ignore these symptoms as they may indicate a periodontal issue. 

Here are four reasons why your gums may be bleeding, and what you can do to prevent it. 

Gingivitis

Plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth and become inflamed; yet because bleeding gums are usually painless, this symptom is shrugged off as unimportant. It is likely a sign of early periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The good news is that this condition can be treated and even reversed when caught early. It is also preventable by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily to reduce plaque build-up, and scheduling regular dental examinations and cleanings. 

Schedule an appointment with our office or ask for a referral if you suspect you have gingivitis. 

Oral Hygiene Habits

If your gums bleed during your regular at-home oral hygiene routine, make sure you are not brushing too vigorously or flossing your gumline too hard. Don’t skip days of brushing and flossing and then make up for it with an overly vigorous cleaning.

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Inhaling cigarette smoke can leave toxins on the teeth that irritate gums and cause them to bleed. Smoking can also compromise your immune system and prevent gum tissue from healing correctly. Quitting cigarettes can help reduce bleeding gums. If you smoke, be sure to keep up with oral examinations to evaluate your gum health at regular intervals.

Gum Disease and Your Diet

Good nutrition benefits every aspect of your health. Research shows proper oral hygiene along with a balanced diet can reduce the risk of gum problems. Crisp-skinned fruit and crudites (raw vegetables) are particularly good because they clean tooth surfaces and produce saliva. They make excellent, healthy snacks. Foods and beverages high in sugar, starch and acids, however, can cause tooth decay and lead to poor oral health. 

For a healthier body, start by paying extra attention to your gums. If they bleed regularly, contact our periodontal office or get a referral. Our Orlando FL Periodontist can provide a complete examination of the gingival tissue and recommend proper treatment. Contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics today.