The concern around the potential long-term effects of vaping is one of the reasons why the UK has decided to limit the availability of vapes in the future.
From 1 June 2025, which is just around the corner, the government is banning the sale and supply of single-use vapes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This is part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including a generational smoking ban and stricter rules for vapers.
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Now, for those who vape regularly, the chances are they've probably experienced something known as 'vaper's tongue', which health experts say can lead to a big problem in the future.
What is vaper's tongue?
A 2024 study analysing 180 flavours predicted that vapes produce 127 'acutely toxic' chemicals, 153 'health hazards' and 225 'irritants'.
Regular use can also cause the often short-term issue known as 'vaper's tongue'.
Vaper’s tongue, otherwise known as flavour fatigue, is when you temporarily can’t taste the flavour of your vape juice.
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The condition is largely due to other side effects of vaping, such as dehydration or having a blocked nose.
Symptoms of vaper's tongue
Pod Salt says symptoms of vaper's tongue can include:
• Reduced or not being able to taste e-liquid flavours at all
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• Dryness or mild coating on the tongue
• Difficulty noticing the differences between similar flavours
Long-term impact of vaper's tongue
A board-certified pharmacist with over 30 years of experience has revealed the long-term effect of vaper's tongue.
Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, told the Dental Economics YouTube channel that it can 'scald the tissue' on your tongue because vape pens can reach temperatures around 120°C-150°C.
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"You're inhaling that vape, that vape mist or aerosol, [and it] doesn't have enough time to cool off between the end of the vape pen and your mucosa, so you end up scalding, or burning, or somehow injuring your tongue," he said.
"The temperature still is pretty high when it gets to the back of your tongue where a lot of your taste buds are located, and so the association there is 'I don't taste anything anymore.'"
In most cases, however, the health professional noted that vaper's tongue can be fixed by quitting 'vaping for a certain period'.
After doing so, the average vaper 'would find their xerostomia would clear up and their taste does return'.
How to prevent vaper's tongue
According to Pod Salt, there are a number of practical ways to help avoid vaper's tongue, including:
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• Switch up vape flavours as often as possible
• Keep hydrated throughout the day to keep your taste buds fresh
• Clean your tongue with a scraper or brush it gently to freshen up your palate
• Take regular vape breaks to give your taste buds a rest
• Avoid strong smelling foods and drinks that might influence your sense of taste
Anish Vij