It’s a well-known fact that smoking cigarettes is detrimental to your health, so many people have begun using electronic cigarettes, thinking they are less harmful. Although it may seem like vaping isn’t bad for you, it’s essential to speak with your doctor and dentist about the oral and overall health risks of smoking and vaping.
So, how can smoking and vaping affect everything from your teeth to your lungs? Keep reading to learn more.
Smoking and Vaping: The Effects on Your Overall Health
Fortunately, fewer people smoke than ever before, and the research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that people who smoke increase their risks for certain diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In fact, smokers are two to four times more likely to suffer a stroke and 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer.
If you vape, you are exposing yourself to thousands of chemical ingredients. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that many of these ingredients are yet to be identified. Your overall health could be affected if you vape, and it is believed that many of the adverse effects of electronic cigarettes are still unknown.
Oral Health Issues Associated with Smoking and Vaping
In terms of your oral health, people who smoke are at an increased risk of many different health issues, including the following:
- Oral cancer
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Dry sockets after extraction or surgery
- Whitening of the soft tissues
- Decreased taste
- Bad breath
- Dry mouth
Many of the same oral health effects can occur if you use electronic cigarettes, including:
- Dry mouth
- Gum disease
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Mouth sores
The best thing you can do if you smoke or vape is quit; talking to your Doreen doctor or dentist is a great place to start.
Questions about Your Oral Health in Doreen, VIC?
If you would like to learn more about how smoking and vaping affect your oral and overall health, we would be happy to speak with you! At Doreen Dental Clinic, our goal is to help you maintain your overall health and keep your teeth and gums looking their best.
Call us on (03) 8735 7359 to arrange a consultation or appointment.