People who smoke either start when they are under extreme stress or when they feel left out of the school or college gangs. ‘Vaping’ is the new villain, which has now become a popular form of entertainment in the new world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), globally 100 million people vape, of whom 15 million are adolescents aged 13-15, according to a 2025 report.
Everybody knows and talks about the effects of smoking on our body, but nobody knows that smoking ‘OR’ vaping has some serious impact on our teeth.
Both may feel harmless at first. “ How does smoking affect our teeth?” is a common thought everybody has. But they can surely cause more serious harm inside your mouth long before you notice the symptoms.
● The Nicotine and Tar, two of the most important ingredients of a cigarette, have the potential to stick on your teeth and gums causing yellow or brown stains.
● Dryness in the mouth due to smoking will eventually lead to unpleasant bad breath.
● The Tobacco and other contents in the cigarette constrict the vessels, causing low blood flow which in turn causes slow healing.
● Reduced blood flow due to smoking will make the gums vulnerable to bacteria, which further leads to loosened teeth, swollen and bleeding gums.
● Cigarette contents will aid in the mechanism of cell damage, further increasing the risk of oral cancers.
Now you would be wondering, okay! Cigarettes are bad, vaping would be better. The answer is a clear NO. How Vaping Affects Teeth.
Apart from the ill effects caused by smoking, vaping has its own drawbacks.
Let's see that.
● The flavoured vape liquids used contain various acids and sweeteners which will make enamel weaker and the tooth prone to decay.
● Nicotine
● Heavy metals
● Flavouring agents used in vapes.
Companies often market vapes as a safer alternative to smoking, yet they put harmful compounds that are not only harmful to your oral cavity but also to your overall body.
Your body is a self-indicating system. It gives you accurate signs when something is going unfavourably for its normal working. The task for you is to identify them correctly and get the earliest medical attention.
Watch for the following signs
● Red mouth ulcers that are persistent.
● Gums that bleed
● Loose teeth.
● White or red patches inside your mouth.
● Dry mouth that persists for a long time.
● Unpleasant and persistent bad breath.
Smoking and Vaping may be your popular choice of entertainment, but not at the cost of your health. Your mouth is a mirror to your overall health. Hence quitting smoking and vaping will help you retain your lasting smile and youthful body.
While quitting is the best solution, certain other steps need to be taken for that everlasting smile.
● Stay hydrated : -Drink 1-2 litres of water every day to stay hydrated.
● Consulting a dentist every 6 months to keep a check on the progress and healing.
● Consider professional cleaning : -Stains caused due to nicotine and tar need to be professionally cleaned for a brighter smile.
● Seek help if you want to quit.
Your smile is what people first notice about you. It builds confidence and yet some are on a mission to ruin the god's gift. Nicotine not only steals the shine but also affects your overall health. Vaping which was introduced as a safer alternative to smoking has proved to be more dangerous. From dry mouth, bad breath to oral cancers these cause significant health problems to an individual before they notice. Protecting your smile starts with a single decision. Quit today!
1. How does smoking affect my oral health?
Smoking results in constriction of the blood vessels causing low blood flow to your gums. Further causing the gums to be vulnerable to bacteria and leads to infection.
2. Is vaping safer than smoking?
Though introduced as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping is not safer than smoking. Instead, recent studies show vaping to be more dangerous due to the use of harmful chemicals along with nicotine.
3. Why do smokers' teeth turn yellow or brown?
The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes usually stick on to teeth which along with poor brushing remain for a long period of time and stains the teeth depriving you of a shiny smile.
4. Can smoking and vaping lead to tooth loss?
Yes. Smoking and vaping which significantly reduces the bacteria fighting capacity of the gums due to low blood flow, will make them infected. Infection further spreads to bones making them weak in turn the tooth.
Dr. Gayatri, a dentist with comprehensive clinical experience and a strong passion for medical and scientific communication. Her work in dentistry has equipped her with a solid understanding of patient care, oral health, and evidence-based practice.
Over time, she have developed a keen interest in translating complex medical concepts into clear, accurate, and engaging content for diverse audiences. She enjoy creating educational materials, blogs, summaries, and awareness content that support informed decision-making and improve patient understanding.
With a commitment to clarity, accuracy, and scientific integrity, she aim to contribute meaningful, well-researched writing that adds value to the healthcare community.
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