One study found that e-cigarette users suffer from black hairy tongue more often than cigarette smokers, the researchers noted. E-cigarette users also have been known to develop lacy white patches on the gums, tongue or insides of the cheeks, a condition called an oral lichenoid reaction, according to the report.
Tobacco smoking is associated with many different oral mucosal lesions (OML) and research shows that e-cigarettes present similarly. A recent study found that three specific OMLs are more prevalent in e-cigarette users: nicotine stomatitis, hyperplastic candidiasis, and black hairy tongue. (5).
Vaping results in what is known as “vaper's tongue.” Vaping leads to dehydration and also dries your mouth, both of which can diminish your taste buds. Smoking or vaping can also cause a stuffy nose and negatively impact your ability to smell, and being able to smell goes hand in hand with your ability to taste.
Vaper's Tongue Symptoms
There are two key symptoms to look out for if you believe you could be suffering from vaper's tongue. These are a white coating on your tongue and a complete inability to taste your usual flavour of vape.
The most common dental health implications we see with vaping are irritation of the oral mucosa and higher rates of overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. The overgrowth of this fungus can result in oral thrush, an infection in the mouth that requires treatment with anti-fungal medication.
Take long breaks from vaping to reduce your chance of vapers tongue. Use an oral hydration product – Biotine, mouthwash, spray, toothpaste or an overnight gel. Vape unflavoured – Pretty self-explanatory – if your issue is not being able to taste your flavour, go flavourless.
E-cigarette users also have been known to develop lacy white patches on the gums, tongue or insides of the cheeks, a condition called an oral lichenoid reaction, according to the report. Oral thrush also can develop in vapers, caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast in the mouth.
The symptoms are easy to read and can include weaker flavour or no flavour whatsoever from your favourite e-liquid. You needn't worry too much if you're experiencing any of these symptoms because the vaper's tongue is not permanent and there are many ways to cure it!
Oral tissue has a tendency to heal more quickly than other tissues in the body. However, if you vape, the chemicals found in e-juice tend to impede your mouth's ability to heal. According to a study published in The Brink from Boston University2, vaping can slow wound healing just as much as smoking cigarettes.
Luckily, vape tongue resolves on its own; within a couple of weeks of discontinuing the practice of vaping, your tongue should regain its ability to taste. There may be additional long-term hazards associated with vape tongue that aren't yet known, however.
Yup! A dentist will know if your teen vapes because nicotine smoked in any form negatively impacts oral health, specifically teeth and gums. Although e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, they still contain highly concentrated amounts of nicotine, which can damage the mouth.
Vaping and Gum Disease
With less saliva in your mouth because of the mouth drying effects of vaping, plaque bacteria can multiply and an infection below the gumline can occur. Left untreated, this infection can turn into gingivitis or periodontal disease.
1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe.
Black hairy tongue typically doesn't require medical treatment. Though unattractive, it's a temporary, harmless condition. Practicing good oral hygiene and eliminating factors that may contribute to the condition — such as avoiding tobacco use or irritating mouthwashes — help resolve black hairy tongue.
Although black hairy tongue may look alarming, typically it doesn't cause any health problems, and it's usually painless. Black hairy tongue usually resolves by eliminating possible causes or contributing factors and practicing good oral hygiene.
The long-term effects of vaping are not fully known. Yet there is some evidence that vaping can cause inflammation in the mouth, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Temporary loss of taste may happen in some people (also called vape tongue). Vaping may be seen as a way to quit smoking.
Water will help flush away what the saliva would normally do, but can't since the vaping has affected your saliva production. Brush often – Even more important than for those who don't smoke, you'll need to make sure you brush your teeth after vaping, after every meal, and morning and evening.
The typical sore throat and dryness that e-cigarette users experience may be a result of the delivery solvents, specifically propylene glycol and glycerol or “vegetable glycerin.” Most e-cigarette users find that propylene glycol carries flavor better than glycerol alone, producing a throat “hit” or rush.
A smoker typically puffs on a cigarette around 10-15 times before putting it out, so let's be conservative and estimate that puffing on a vape 15 times is approximately equal to smoking one cigarette. If that's the case, then a disposable vape that delivers 600 puffs is equal to about two packs of cigarettes.
Many studies show that vaping is far less harmful than smoking. This is because e-cigarettes don't contain cancer-causing tobacco, and most of the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes are not in e-cigarettes. Some potentially harmful chemicals have been found in e-cigarettes.
Are e-cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes? Yes—but that doesn't mean e-cigarettes are safe. E-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer toxic chemicals than the deadly mix of 7,000 chemicals in smoke from regular cigarettes. However, e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless.
Vaping-caused inflammation can affect your gums to such a serious extent that your teeth can fall out. Vaping, like cigarettes, can make you smell, which is not pleasant for anyone.