Dentist explains exactly how vaping damages your mouth and it's terrifying

With disposable vapes set to be banned in the UK and a new tax to be introduced on remaining products, the crackdown on vaping is well and truly underway.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak exclusively revealed to LADbible earlier this year that all disposable vapes will be banned as a way to target the growing use of them among young people and children. It includes a ban on particular flavours of vapes that the government sees as being marketed for younger people, including kids.

You will of course be able to keep buying vaping products, with the government saying it sees the industry's importance in them being a stepping stone to people not smoking.

But while they are seen as a better alternative to cigarettes and other tobacco products, they are not risk-free.

Dental expert Dr Ferakh Hamid has revealed what he has called the 'hidden truths' behind vaping and the impact smoking them can have on your oral health.

With disposable vapes not set to be banned until the end of 2025, Dr Hamid, who runs Aesthetique Dental Care, says it is important to highlight the health risks now.

Chemical and health concerns

According to Dr Hamid, research into vaping products 'has identified harmful substances in vape products, including caffeine, pesticides, and toxic flavourings'.

“The complexity and amount of unidentified chemicals in vaping products is concerning," he says.

"These chemicals pose unknown risks to lung and heart health, challenging the notion that vaping is a benign habit."

The dental expert states that vaping can give you a dry mouth which goes further than discomfort.

He explains: "It significantly reduces the production of saliva, an essential defence against tooth decay.

"With reduced saliva, your teeth are much more susceptible to cavities and, in severe cases, tooth loss. It's crucial to recognise the real impacts of what may seem like a harmless habit on your dental health."

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Dr Hamid also states that the hot and dry vapour from e-cigs irritates your gums, and increases the risk of gum disease.

"The presence of nicotine can hide early symptoms by restricting blood flow, leading to more severe problems later on that are unnoticed and untreated," he adds.

"Nicotine, a common component in e-cigarettes, can lead to teeth grinding. This condition not only causes discomfort but can also result in serious dental issues, including jaw disorders, headaches, and even tooth loss."

He continues: "It's important to be aware that many flavoured vapes contain substances that can weaken the tooth enamel. This protective outer layer is critical in preventing damage and decay. Once enamel is affected, the effects are irreversible, highlighting one of the most serious consequences of vaping for your teeth."

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Addiction risks

“The addictive potential of e-cigarettes is on par with, if not greater than, traditional cigarettes," Dr Hamid says.

"The availability of high-strength nicotine cartridges and the ability to increase vaping device voltage means that users can consume more nicotine than they might with cigarettes, heightening the addiction risk.

“A concerning trend we observe is the higher proportion of men (9.5%) and young people aged 16 to 24 years (15.5% in 2022, up from 11.1% in 2021) engaging in daily or occasional vaping.

"This increase, particularly among young adults, highlights the need for targeted health education and intervention strategies to address these rising numbers and prevent long-term health consequences.”

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Other dental health implications

Dr Hamid explained that studies have shown vaping can cause an increased risk of tooth decay.

"The correlation between vaping and high caries risk is undeniable and should not be underestimated. This is especially concerning given that many users may not be aware of this risk," he concluded.