The vaping culture is getting hit hard by serious, and even fatal, health problems. Media coverage shows a significant increase in lung injuries and fatalities related to e-cigarettes. The CDC and other agencies have been working together to investigate what causes the ill effects of vaping and how to stop this growing health concern.
The Modern-Day Cigarette
Electronic cigarettes aka e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have become popular over traditional tobacco cigarettes. They work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that’s inhaled into the lungs. In addition to the highly addictive chemical nicotine, vaping liquid contains other toxic chemicals such as carcinogens, heavy metals, and THC substances.
Recent research has discovered a possible link between Vitamin E acetate and lung injuries. Vitamin E acetate is an additive in vape products because it’s a thickening agent as well as resembles THC oil. While safe if taken as a vitamin supplement or ingested from food products, it might be harmful to normal lung function if inhaled.
Young Vapers
Electronic cigarettes are very popular among America’s youth, and this is a huge cause for concern. Middle and high school students are more likely to smoke e-cigarettes over traditional tobacco cigarettes. A Michigan teen was recently given a double lung transplant due to serious lung illness from vaping.
Teenagers are known for being impulsive risk takers since the part of the brain responsible for decision-making is not fully developed. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can affect brain development, which continues until about age 25. Early exposure to nicotine can also cause addiction and lead to the use of other drugs. Additional side effects that teens may experience from vaping include mood disorders, difficulty concentrating, and trouble learning.
The debate of putting stricter regulations on e-cigarettes is underway. It doesn’t help that the products are marketed to young people with enticing packaging and variety of flavors. Perhaps a drawback to making these products harder to obtain will only increase profits in the black market, which can be even more harmful since things can be tampered with and ingredients altered.
Vaping and Oral Health
There’s lots of evidence that tobacco cigarettes cause health problems including oral cancer. Vaping is just as bad for your mouth. Studies show an increased risk of gum disease among e-cig users. Nicotine reduces blood flow, which can cause gums to become inflamed and swollen. When the gums are deprived of oxygen-rich nutrients, tissues can die and lead to gum recession. Nicotine also reduces saliva, causing dry mouth and creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay. Keep in mind that e-cigs also contain other harmful chemicals that can affect oral health.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaping and oral health, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.