Vaping has been a popular pastime for people of all ages in the last few years, but what you may not have realized is that it can be linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders involve the muscles, joints and ligaments in the jaw and have a range of symptoms that can greatly affect someone’s quality of life. Understanding this link and the impact that vaping can have on TMJ is important, so let’s dive deeper into this connection.
What is Vaping and Why Does It Matter?
Vaping involves the inhalation of a flavored liquid in order to create an experience similar to that of smoking tobacco cigarettes. This liquid often contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and other chemical compounds. Vaping has become increasingly popular due to its reputation as a potentially less harmful alternative to traditional smoking.
However, vaping has its own set of risks and can have a number of harmful effects on the body. Vaping has been linked to cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, and eye conditions, among others. Most recently, researchers have begun to investigate the effects of vaping on jaw disorders such as TMJ.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw. The TMJ is located on either side of the head and connects the jawbone to the skull. The joint is responsible for the motion that allows individuals to open and close their mouth, chew, speak, and swallow.
TMJ disorders, caused by a variety of lifestyle and genetic factors, often result in pain, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw clicking or locking, and difficulty eating or speaking. While TMJ is not usually seen as a life-threatening condition, it can significantly decrease an individual’s quality of life and can lead to other health problems when left untreated.
Vaping and TMJ: The Research
The link between vaping and TMJ is not yet entirely clear, however, researchers have started to uncover some potential connections. A study published in the journal of Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Oral Radiology found that vaping is more likely to exacerbate TMJ symptoms in people who already have the condition.
Researchers of a study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery examined the impacts of electronic cigarettes on motor function and the temporalis muscle – one of the primary muscles involved in TMJ movement. The findings indicated that prolonged exposure to nicotine vapors was directly correlated with a decrease in muscle function.
Trauma and Chemical Exposure
Vaping has been shown to cause a variety of changes to the skull, oral cavity, and jaw region. The chemical compounds in e-liquids may cause a distinct biomechanical alteration to tissues in the jaw, which may increase the risk of TMJ disorders.
Frequent and prolonged vaping can lead to trauma and increased wear and tear on the jaw muscles and joints. When combined with other harmful effects of vaping on the body, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, it can result in an increased risk of TMJ disorders.
Coupling Vaping and Proper TMJ Care
Researchers and healthcare professionals have warned that if people are vaping, they should be mindful of the potential risks and properly care for their dental and jaw health. The best thing that individuals can do to support their jaw health when vaping is to follow good dental hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly.
It is important to pay attention to potential symptoms, such as pain or stiffness in the jaw, grinding noises when moving the jaw, and difficulty eating and speaking, and seek medical attention if any problems are suspected. Catching TMJ disorders early and taking steps to manage the condition can help to prevent the potential consequences of the condition.
Vaping and TMJ: The Bottom Line
The link between vaping and TMJ is not yet fully clear, but there is enough evidence to suggest that there may be a connection between the two. Vaping has been shown to cause trauma and change the biomechanics of tissues in the jaw area, which can increase the risk of developing TMJ conditions.
If an individual is vaping, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and take proper care of dental and jaw health. Monitoring for symptoms and seeking medical attention if problems are suspected can help to manage the condition and prevent it from developing into more severe health problems.