"Smoke and Mirrors: Debunking the Myth of Healthy Vaping"

The Hidden Dangers of Vaping

Sophia Frisson

Vaping is regularly touted as a top option as an alternative to smoking or as a way to help you quit smoking. It’s not in any way, shape or form, but vaping can be an incredibly economical and, shockingly, deadly health tip.

The long-term risks are still high.

Since vaping is generally a new innovation, little is known about its effects. However, a new review is uncovering a growing list of health risks, including serious damage to oral health, especially teeth and gums.

The Impact of Vaping on Oral Health

Nicotine, flavorings and other compounds are among the airborne synthetic substances you inhale when you vape. David Okano, DDS, special chair of periodontics at the College of Utah School of Dentistry, emphasizes that vaping increases the risk of tooth decay and gum infections. This can lead to gum disease and infection, which can eventually lead to tooth loss and irreversible bone loss around the teeth. “Much like tobacco, vaping causes bone loss,” Okano says.

Nicotine, a powerful drug found in both tobacco and e-cigarettes, is the primary driver of these secondary effects. The tissue irritation caused by nicotine can really hurt long-distance travel. Long-term nicotine use can potentially increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

Similarly, nicotine constricts blood vessels there, reducing blood flow to the lungs, throat, and gums.

Water vapor from the past

E-cigarette smoke contains more nicotine than cigarette smoke. Propylene glycol, the main ingredient in vape juice, damages airway cells and can convert to formaldehyde, a cancer-causing agent when heated. Because synthetic compounds in vape cartridges are not as strictly regulated as traditional tobacco products, there is a wide variety of products and flavors. Some flavors can damage or inhibit cell division, and some contain harmful metals like lead and arsenic in the smoke.

For example, diacetyl, a fake spread flavor, is available in some cartridges. High doses of diacetyl can cause severe lung scarring, fatigue, wheezing, and even death, yet the effects of inhaling even small amounts of the synthetic are still unclear.

An unfamiliar domain for long-range effects

Despite being around for nearly 20 years, vaping has seen remarkable growth over the past 10 years. Further assessment shows that the combination of health implications of vaping is not fully understood, despite strong evidence linking it to oral health problems. According to Okano, “there just hasn’t been enough time for these health effects to emerge.”

Prevention method

Okano’s solution to confirming that there is no strong evidence of negative consequences of vaping: “Not yet.” His insight is similar to what he has given to smokers: “The main concern? Vaping is not safer than smoking. If you don’t vape, try not to start. You do

Quitting Resources.

The Utah Division of Wellbeing and Human Services offers free, confidential resources, such as nicotine replacement therapy and individualized guidance, to help people who are ready to quit smoking or vaping. To protect your well-being and future, take basic steps now.