{"id":426,"date":"2022-09-19T01:07:42","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T01:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.npdma.com\/blog\/?p=346"},"modified":"2023-06-26T18:43:49","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T18:43:49","slug":"pediatric-dentist-in-northampton-explains-dangers-vaping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.treehousepediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=426","title":{"rendered":"Dangers of Vaping for Your Teen\u2019s Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Adolescents and teens are surrounded by peer pressure, which can lead to some bad decisions, like vaping. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2 million U.S. middle and high school students use e-cigarettes regularly. Just like every other doctor, your pediatric dentist in Northampton also warns against the dangers of vaping. No matter the frequency of use, type of device, flavor, or brand, vaping can come back to haunt your child\u2019s smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Vaping and Oral Health Risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many teens believe vaping is safer than traditional cigarettes, making them a popular option for adolescents. As the trend continues to spike, it\u2019s important to have regular discussions with your child about the dental risks associated with vaping, which can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cavities aren\u2019t the only cause of tooth loss. Gum disease is equally devastating. Although it\u2019s often believed to only affect adults, children and teens can develop the infection, too. Since e-cigarettes contain nicotine, vaping reduces blood flow to the gum tissue, which can hide signs of gum disease. With nicotine being linked to a poor immune response, the infection can wreak havoc in your teen\u2019s mouth without even showing any symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry Mouth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saliva is important to keep the mouth moist to inhibit bacterial growth. It cleanses the teeth between brushing and flossing to lessen the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, nicotine causes dry mouth. Without the right balance of saliva to combat bacteria, your teen\u2019s risk of both gum disease and cavities increases significantly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vaping doesn\u2019t eliminate or lessen the risk of oral cancer. Current studies have found that there are more cancer-causing chemicals in e-cigarettes than originally thought. Inhaling the chemicals into the lungs can have a carcinogenic effect, raising your child\u2019s risk of oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Break the Addiction for a Healthy Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your teen has a habit of vaping, it\u2019s important to ask questions and find ways to support them while they break the addiction. You can encourage success by following a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n