E-cigarettes have become incredibly popular since their introduction. These electronic versions of cigarettes make use of flavored vapors, some of which do not actually contain any nicotine at all. They were seen as a great alternative to traditional cigarettes because they don’t contain tar, tobacco, or any of the other incredibly harmful ingredients that greatly damaged the lungs. However, now that we’ve had several years to study their effects, it’s become clear that e-cigarettes aren’t as completely harmless as we once believed.
Nicotine Is Not Safe
Just because e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco doesn’t mean they’re safe. They contain nicotine, which has been determined to affect the gums. Nicotine can contribute to gum disease because it affects your blood flow. By reducing the amount of blood that reaches the gums, nicotine limits the amount of nutrients and oxygen the tissue there is able to receive.
Without these vital nutrients, your gums become starved. This affects their ability to fight off bacteria and heal after being damaged. It leads to the gums receding because there’s just not enough oxygen to keep all of the tissue there healthy.
Nicotine also reduces the amount of saliva your mouth produces. The mouth uses saliva to wash away bacteria and other debris from the surface of your teeth and gums. If you’re dealing with dry mouth caused by nicotine, it becomes more difficult for your body to naturally keep the mouth clean.
Other Health Risks
In addition to the dangers of nicotine, e-cigarettes also have a number of other health risks. The vapor used is actually a type of aerosol. It contains many small particles that can be toxic. These chemicals have been connected to a number of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer.
Do you smoke e-cigarettes? If you do, you need to be certain you come see us for your regular checkups so we can ensure you’re not suffering from gum disease. Call today to book an appointment.
