How Smoking and Vaping Shape the Future of Oral Health
For decades, smoking has been recognized as one of the most damaging habits for oral health — contributing to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. But in recent years, vaping and e-cigarettes have reshaped the conversation, especially as more young people turn to them believing they are a “safer” alternative. Now, dental professionals are being urged to understand how both habits — old and new — impact the mouth, gums, and teeth.
The Ongoing Challenge of Smoking
Traditional tobacco remains a leading cause of oral disease. It’s estimated that in the UK, smoking contributes to nearly 80,000 deaths every year, and about 25% of all cancer deaths. Cigarette smoke damages soft tissues, reduces blood flow, and makes it harder for the mouth to heal after dental procedures. It also increases the risk of periodontal disease, bone loss, and tooth mobility.
Even light or occasional smoking can have long-term effects, as tobacco toxins alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth and promote chronic inflammation. Over time, smokers often experience dull taste sensation, bad breath, and deep gum pocketing — precursors to advanced oral disease.
The Rise of Vaping: A Double-Edged Sword
While vaping eliminates many harmful by-products of tobacco combustion, it is not without oral risks. Studies suggest that some vape users show fewer signs of gum bleeding compared to smokers, but researchers warn that the absence of smoke does not mean the absence of danger.
E-liquids, especially those with high acidity or artificial flavoring, can erode enamel, cause dry mouth, and alter the natural oral microbiome. Additionally, vaping devices that deliver high nicotine concentrations may still suppress blood flow to gum tissues — potentially masking signs of inflammation while underlying damage continues.
In adolescents, vaping has become a worrying trend. Surveys indicate that nearly 1 in 10 UK secondary school students now vape regularly, and “dual use” — combining cigarettes and e-cigarettes — is increasing among young adults. This hybrid habit could amplify oral health risks instead of reducing them.
A Call for Dental Intervention
Dental professionals play a crucial role in addressing smoking and vaping. Routine checkups offer a valuable opportunity to screen for early signs of oral changes, discuss lifestyle factors, and encourage cessation or harm reduction. Dentists can advise patients to stay hydrated, use sugar-free gums to stimulate saliva, and maintain regular cleanings to minimize bacterial buildup.
More importantly, dentists can bridge the education gap — helping patients understand that vaping may reduce some immediate risks but is not harmless in the long run. Consistent patient conversations rooted in empathy and facts are essential to prevent future oral health complications.
New Regulations and the Road Ahead
In June 2025, the UK government banned disposable vapes nationwide, aiming to curb youth use. The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill also prohibits tobacco sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, and restricts marketing that targets children.
While these measures mark progress, public health experts emphasize that real change will depend on awareness and prevention — especially within dental clinics. As ongoing studies, such as the UK’s Enhance-D trial, investigate the long-term effects of vaping on oral tissues, one message remains clear:
Protecting your mouth starts with understanding what you inhale.
Original Article
“Smoking, vaping and oral health: all you need to know.” Dentistry.co.uk, April 9, 2025.