E-cigarettes are battery-operated electronic cigarettes that produce a vaporized solution for inhalation.
Nicotine is usually present in the solution. The goal of an e-cigarette is to simulate the experience of
breathing tobacco smoke without actually inhaling tobacco smoke. They are available in a variety of forms.
Some resemble USB devices, while others look like pens, for example.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies e-cigarettes as tobacco products, even though
manufacturers advertise them as tools for quitting or cutting down on smoking.

The hazards of vaping – inhaling the vapour from electronic cigarettes – are often emphasized upon the
heart and lungs.

However, a growing body of evidence suggests that the chemicals in e-cigarettes begin to cause harm
immediately where they enter the body: the mouth.

Smoking or vaping nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease. In
addition, E-cigarette fluid, including propylene glycol, benzene, formaldehyde, and other substances,
dramatically adds to the hazards. According to a recent study, 43% of persons who use e-cigarettes have
gum diseases and mouth infections. Smokers had a more significant percentage (73%) than those who
did not smoke or vape, but only 28% of those who did not smoke or vape. The various effects that vaping
can cause on the oral cavity range from inflammation and tooth cavities to loss of bone that anchors teeth
to the jaw, called periodontitis, and oral cancer.

• According to one study, teeth exposed to e-cigarette smoke contained a higher bacterial load than
teeth that hadn’t, especially in the pits and crevices, where the difference was more remarkable. Tooth
decay, cavities, and gum disease are all linked to an excess of oral bacteria.

• Dryness of the mouth can be caused by some e-cigarette base liquids, notably propylene glycol. Bad
breath, mouth ulcers, and tooth decay are all linked to chronic mouth dryness.

• According to a 2016 study, e-cigarette usage causes an inflammatory reaction in gum tissues leading
to Periodontal disorders.

• Vaping might irritate the lips and throat. Tenderness, swelling, and redness of the gums are all possible
signs.

Studies of living cells from human gums show that vaping aerosols might enhance inflammation and DNA
damage. This can cause cells to lose their ability to divide and expand, hastening cell ageing and ultimately
leading to cell death. Periodontal diseases, bone loss, tooth loss, dry mouth, bad breath, and tooth decay
are all examples of oral health issues where this could play a role. To properly understand how vaping related cell death might influence your overall or long-term health, further long-term study is needed.

When to see a dentist or other healthcare provider

Such signs might indicate an underlying oral health concern.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a dentist or other oral healthcare provider:

• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Sensitivity to changes in temperature
• Frequent dry mouth
• Ulcers or sores that don’t seem to heal
• Toothache
• Receding gums

Seek emergency medical treatment if you have any of these symptoms.

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You can find out more information about the effect of chewing gum and bad breath  HERE

More information can be found HERE