Vaping and e-cigarettes have become more popular as an alternative to traditional smoking. While these habits might not seem as bad with the fun flavors, they can cause their own complications if you aren’t careful. One condition that you may be at risk for is vaper’s tongue, which can affect your oral health. Here’s what you need to know from your dentist in Superior and tips to manage or prevent it.
So, What Is Vaper’s Tongue?
In short, vaper’s tongue is described as having an alteration or loss of taste perception. You may not be able to detect a full range of flavors, meaning your meals may feel more muted or bland. Thankfully, this condition is temporary, as it typically goes away once you stop or cut down on e-cigarette usage.
Is Vaper’s Tongue Bad News for Your Oral Health?
While vaper’s tongue may not seem like a serious thing, it can have a real impact on your dental health. For instance, recent studies found that smoking these alternatives has an association with dry mouth, inflammation, excess oral bacteria, and overall irritation. Since your oral microbiome is affected, you may be at a higher risk of problems like cavities and gum disease.
Each of these can then turn into its own problems if you aren’t careful. When you can’t produce enough saliva, then you’ll have trouble washing away bacteria that cause decay and infection. Your risk of these issues may only be heightened with an excess of germs in your mouth.
If the soft tissues in your mouth are chronically inflamed, then that can have an impact on your immune system as well. Your body will have a harder time fighting off infections, like those that develop in your gums.
How Can I Prevent or Manage Vaper’s Tongue?
Although vaper’s tongue is possible if you smoke e-cigarettes, there are ways you can avoid it or manage it. These are just some tips you should keep in mind:
- Drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth; that way, you can ensure proper saliva production.
- Brush and floss twice daily to get rid of plaque that can cause problems in your smile in the first place. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to ensure you get as much as you can.
- Consider quitting or reducing your vaping habits. Doing so can lower your risk of vaper’s tongue and the other dental problems that may follow suit.
In the end, you should talk to your dentist as well. They can make sure your grin is in great shape, and that your habits aren’t harming it. If anything is worrying, you can get the personalized advice and treatments you need.
About the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III earned his dental degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Superior community get the stronger smiles they deserve with preventive care. By coming in for routine visits, he can make sure your teeth and gums stay in great shape. If you want to make sure your e-cigarette habits aren’t harming your oral health, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Clark’s office at (715) 392-5161.