Your Dentist Can Tell If You Vape — Here’s How
Think vaping is better for your teeth than smoking? Think it’s invisible to your dentist? Bad news on both counts: your mouth gives it away — fast. Even if your breath smells minty-fresh and you’re hiding the vape pen, dentists see signs you probably don’t.
Vaping may feel “cleaner” than cigarettes, but the effects on your oral health can be just as serious — sometimes worse. Here’s what we see:
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) - Vape aerosols dry out your saliva. Less saliva = less protection. Your teeth become more vulnerable to acid, bacteria, and plaque. What your dentist sees: sticky plaque buildup, bad breath, more cavities — especially between teeth.
Inflamed or Receding Gums - Nicotine, even in vape form, reduces blood flow to your gums. That can cause inflammation, tissue breakdown, and slower healing. What your dentist sees: red, puffy gums that bleed easily or start to pull away from the teeth — even in young patients.
Increased Risk of Decay - Flavoured vapes often contain sweeteners or acids that linger in your mouth, feeding bacteria and weakening enamel. What your dentist sees: cavities in places where they typically wouldn’t show up — especially near the gumline or in clusters.
Mouth Sores or Irritation - Some vape chemicals can irritate the soft tissue inside your mouth, especially if you’re sensitive to additives. What your dentist sees: ulcers, red patches, or peeling inside the cheeks and lips.
You might not notice any pain or damage now, but vaping can fast-track long-term dental issues: gum disease, tooth loss, and expensive procedures like deep cleanings or even implants. And yes — we know when you’re vaping. Not to shame you — but to help you.
If You Vape, Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:
Stay hydrated. Combat dry mouth with more water — not energy drinks or coffee.
Tell your dentist. Seriously. We can help spot early problems and prevent worse ones.
Use fluoride. Strengthens enamel and reduces risk of decay.
Keep up your cleanings. Every 6 months — no excuses.
Consider quitting. The sooner you stop, the faster your mouth can recover.
Vaping might feel harmless, but your mouth tells the truth. If you’re vaping, we’re not here to judge — but we are here to protect your smile. Just don’t be surprised when we bring it up... because trust us, we can tell.