Let’s face it, there are some tell-tale signs of nicotine use that your dentist won’t be oblivious to - such as discolouration of the teeth and gums, and cavities caused by dry mouth. Prioritising your dental hygiene, however, will minimise the effects of nicotine on your teeth - leaving your mouth healthy, and your dentist happy.

To mitigate the harmful effects of nicotine on your teeth and gums, it's essential to brush and floss thoroughly twice a day. Brushing and flossing can remove any leftover nicotine residue and bacteria from your mouth, reducing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

Remember—it's important not to let fear prevent you from seeking dental care. Visiting your dentist regularly is essential to identifying and treating any dental problems early on, preventing them from progressing into more serious issues. Your dentist is a valuable resource for providing advice on how to improve your dental hygiene routine and can offer solutions for any dental concerns you may have.

What’s more, there are e-liquids available that are nicotine-free, and these can be a great option for individuals who are trying to quit smoking or simply enjoy the act of vaping -these vape juices often contain a blend of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, which provide the vapour production and flavouring without the use of nicotine.

Overall, while there are some signs that your dentist may be able to pick up on if you vape, there are also steps you can take to minimise your risk of oral health problems. By prioritising your dental health through regular checkups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene habits, you can enjoy the benefits of vaping without sacrificing your smile. So if you're a vaper, don't be afraid to talk to your dentist about your habits - with their help, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong for years to come.

One of the most popular e liquid and disposable vape flavour families is ‘sweet’, an all-encompassing group that combines all of your favourite sweet treats, desserts and beverage-inspired blends. If you’ve ever found yourself vaping a sweet disposable vape and wondering how they mimic the flavour so well, the secret often lies in the use of artificial sweeteners.

The primary reason for using artificial sweeteners in vape liquids is to enhance the overall flavour profile. Much like in food and beverages, sweeteners in e-liquids can significantly improve taste. They help create a wide range of flavours, from fruity concoctions to decadent dessert-like experiences. For many, the appeal of disposable vapes lies in this variety.

Sweeteners can also help mask any unpleasant or bitter notes that might arise from the other ingredients in the vape juice. Nicotine and some flavouring agents can have strong, sometimes harsh tastes, which sweeteners can effectively balance out. This leads to a smoother, more pleasurable vaping experience.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Dangerous?

The safety of artificial sweeteners in vapes is a topic of ongoing debate and research. Commonly used sweeteners in e-liquids include sucralose and ethyl maltol. While these are generally recognised as safe for consumption in food and beverages, inhalation is another matter.

When heated, some artificial sweeteners can break down into other compounds, some of which may be potentially harmful. However, the exact implications of inhaling these byproducts are not yet fully understood, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

It is important for consumers to stay informed and cautious. Choosing reputable brands and retailers, such as Go Smoke Free that adhere to strict safety standards can mitigate some risks. Looking for transparency in ingredient lists and opting for products that have undergone rigorous testing can also provide some peace of mind.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Addictive?

Artificial sweeteners used in disposable vapes are not considered addictive in the same way that nicotine is. Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in most e-liquids, responsible for dependency and cravings that many vapers experience. Sweeteners, on the other hand, are mainly added to enhance the flavour and do not have properties that lead to addiction.

However, it's worth noting that the sensory experience associated with sweet and appealing flavours can enhance the overall attractiveness of vaping. While artificial sweeteners are not addictive, the flavours they create can contribute to the overall habit of vaping. If someone enjoys the taste of a flavoured vape, they may be more inclined to use it more frequently, potentially developing habitual behaviour. For vapers who also use nicotine, it is not the sweeteners themselves that are addictive but rather the combined experience.

Do Artificial Sweeteners Add Calories to Vapes?

A common question among health-conscious vapers is whether artificial sweeteners add calories to the vapour. The short answer is no. While artificial sweeteners can provide taste without adding calories when consumed in foods or beverages because they are not metabolised by the body in the same way as sugar, the dynamics change with vaping.

When vaping, sweeteners contribute to the flavour of the vapour, not to the calorie content. The body does not absorb the caloric components of the sweeteners through inhalation, so you don’t have to worry about extra calories sneaking in with each puff!

While some often consider vaping to be a "safer" alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, it still poses risks to oral health. Here are some oral health tips specifically for vapers:

1. Stay Hydrated: Vaping can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.

 2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Inform them that you vape so they can monitor any potential changes in your oral health.

3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infections.

4. Avoid Sugary E-liquids:  Some e-liquids contain sugars or sweeteners that can contribute to tooth decay. Opt for sugar-free options if possible.

5. Monitor Your Oral Health: Pay attention to any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, swelling, or redness. Also, watch for changes in the lining of your mouth, like white patches or sores that don't heal.

6. Limit Nicotine Intake: Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the gums, which can affect gum health. If possible, use e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations.

7. Clean Your Vape Kit: To minimise bacterial buildup, regularly clean the mouthpiece and any other parts that come into contact with your mouth.

8. Consider the Impact of Heat:  High temperatures from vaping can affect soft tissues in the mouth. Try to avoid direct contact with hot vapour by taking slower, smaller puffs

9. Diet Matters: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D, to support healthy teeth and gums.

10. Be Honest with Your Dentist: Always be upfront about your vaping habits. This information can help your dentist provide the best possible care for your oral health.

Unfortunately, we cannot add “teeth whitening” to the list of benefits vaping has over tobacco smoking! However, we can offer up the results of a study showing that vaping is much less likely to stain teeth.

On a scale of one to ten concerning the dangers of smoking, discolouration of the teeth doesn’t rank too highly (not when you have a pulmonary disease and potentially cancer to contend with). It is, however, a known fact that smoking does cause your teeth to change colour, and smoking may cause numerous oral issues. What about vaping, though?

According to research undertaken by British American Tobacco, which has since been published in the AJD (American Journal of Dentistry), results show that tobacco cigarettes did cause significant discolouration, whereas vaping did not. Due to the nature of the study, the results may only speak to short-term discolouration (or not). Thankfully, early results are very encouraging and, if consistent, will show over time that short- and long-term vaping causes little to no discolouration of the teeth.

How Was the Study Conducted?

We always think that it is essential to look at how a test has been run in order to appreciate the results. In this case, scientists used blocks of teeth which came from cattle (the identical make-up as humans) and allowed them to be covered in saliva for two weeks, as our own teeth would be, in order to be able to liken the results as closely as possible to human teeth. After this, the teeth blocks were exposed to vapour from an e-cigarette in equal measures to the amount of tobacco smoke that would be expected when smoking a pack a day. This exposure occurred over a five-day period.

Scientists assessed the enamel colour throughout the trial using lab methods and found that after only twenty-four hours, the enamel blocks exposed to tobacco smoke were becoming stained, and this staining increased daily. The enamel blocks exposed to vapour from the e-cigarette showed little to no staining whatsoever compared to the control blocks.

It has long since been recognised that the tar in tobacco cigarettes causes discolouration, and this study seems to back that up. While, again, a longer-term study is needed to prove the safety of your bright smile definitively, it does seem that in this area, vaping is the better choice. From a health perspective, Public Health England also advocates for the use of e-cigarettes over tobacco cigarettes, stating in their last review that vaping is “at least 95% less harmful than vaping”. That in itself should offer enough reason to switch over from smoking to vaping; however, if not, perhaps the likelihood of a whiter smile will!

We can’t write about vaping and oral health without looking at one of the most common vape complaints: vapers tongue! Sometimes referred to as ‘vapers mouth’ or ‘flavour fatigue’, this is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals who use e-cigarettes or vape regularly. It refers to a temporary loss of the ability to taste the flavours in e-liquids, which can be frustrating for vapers who enjoy the sensory experience of their chosen flavours.

The exact cause of vaper’s tongue is not entirely understood, but several factors can contribute to its occurrence:

1.  Sensory Overload:  Repeated exposure to the same flavours can desensitise your taste buds, leading to a diminished perception of those flavours over time.
   
2.  Dehydration:  Vaping can contribute to dehydration, particularly in the mouth. E-liquids contain propylene glycol, which is known to absorb moisture. Dehydration affects saliva production, which is essential for the proper functioning of taste buds.

3.  Poor Oral Hygiene:  Accumulated residue on the tongue and in the mouth can affect your ability to perceive flavours. Regularly brushing your teeth and tongue can help maintain taste sensitivity.

4.  Smoking History:  For former smokers transitioning to vaping, past damage to taste buds from smoking can linger, affecting taste perception.

5.  Environmental Factors:  Illnesses such as colds or sinus infections can impair your sense of taste and smell, as can certain medications and dietary habits.

If you’re experiencing vaper’s tongue, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate the symptoms and get back to enjoying the great flavours of your e-liquids:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to combat vaper’s tongue. Keeping yourself hydrated helps maintain saliva production, which in turn helps your taste buds function properly.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth and tongue regularly to prevent residue buildup. Some vapers also find that using a minty mouthwash can refresh their palate and improve taste perception.

Switch Flavours

Rotating between different flavours can prevent sensory overload. If you frequently vape the same flavour, your taste buds can become desensitised to it. Trying something entirely different can reset your palate.

Take a Break

Sometimes, the best way to restore your sense of taste is to take a short break from vaping. A few days without vaping can give your taste buds time to recover.

Use a Palate Cleanser

Strong flavours like coffee, citrus and mint can act as palate cleansers. Between vaping sessions, consuming these can help reset your taste buds.

Inhale Through Your Nose

Our sense of taste is closely linked to our sense of smell. By inhaling the vapour through your nose, you can enhance the flavour experience.

Stay Healthy

Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc, are known to support taste and smell functions.

Seek Medical Advice

If your symptoms persist even after trying these remedies, it might be worth consulting a healthcare professional. There could be an underlying health issue affecting your sense of taste.

Vaper’s tongue is a temporary condition influenced by repeated flavour exposure, dehydration, and other factors. By taking steps to stay hydrated, maintain good oral hygiene, and give your taste buds a break, you can usually resolve the issue and get back to enjoying a happy vaping experience!