Millions of people around the world have started vaping in recent years, with the practice presenting to them a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, and potentially contributing to a significant decrease in the number of smokers at large. However, one of the possible side effects of vaping is something many people may not have considered: dry mouth. If you are experiencing dry mouth more than usual from vaping, continue reading to find out the real reason behind it, and what you can do to help combat the problem.
Intro to Vaping and Its Complications
According to WebMD, vaping does have some potential health benefits. Nicotine free e-cigarettes are often used by people who have recently quit smoking as a coping mechanism to help overcome cravings. Some e-cigarette users even claim to have completely quit smoking tobacco as a result of vaping. However, vaping is not without its down sides. One of those downsides is a condition called xerostomia – better known as dry mouth.
Dry mouth is essentially a lack of saliva production, causing a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, bad breath, and even trouble swallowing. There are a lot of possible causes of dry mouth, including stress, anxiety and even some medications. However, it appears that vaping nicotine may also be linked to a decrease in saliva production, and subsequently, dry mouth. Normally, when a person inhales tobacco smoke, a chain of events is triggered by certain cells in the mouth, which ultimately results in an increase in saliva production. However, the nicotine present in most e-liquids used for vaping also triggers these cells – and that is where the problem arises. It is thought that due to the constant triggering of these cells, they can become less responsive over time, leading to a decrease in saliva production and the resultant dry mouth.
What Can Be Done to Help Decrease Dry Mouth?
There are a number of simple things you can do to help combat dry mouth. According to the Mayo Clinic, one powerful weapon against dry mouth is staying hydrated. Dehydration exacerbates the feeling of a dry mouth, so filling up on water can be a simple and effective way to help increase saliva production. Side note: it might be best to avoid drinking large amounts of water right before bed, as the need to use the restroom frequently during the night can be an unfortunate side effect of consuming large amounts of water before bed.Using a mouthwash that is specifically designed to help combat dry mouth can also be another effective way to help alleviate the problem. When choosing a mouthwash, make sure to choose one that is alcohol-free, as the alcohol in mouthwashes can actually exacerbate the dry mouth problem. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research also recommends chewing on sugar-free gum, as the act of chewing helps produce saliva, and can help alleviate the feeling of dry mouth.
Avoiding Vaping During Certain Times Can Also Help
It may seem obvious, but it is worth mentioning: avoiding vaping while sleeping or flying can also help to decrease the chances of experiencing dry mouth. These are particularly difficult times for those suffering from dry mouth, as the lack of saliva production due to vaping can be super frustrating. Thankfully, frequent hydration and using a mouthwash can help to alleviate the symptoms. In addition, according to Vape UK, vaping using e-liquids that are high in VG (vegetable glycerin), as opposed to PG (propylene glycol) may also help to lower the chances of experiencing dry mouth.
Conclusion
Vaping can reduce the number of people smoking tobacco, and is generally considered to be safe. However, regular users may experience one fairly common side effect: dry mouth. The reason for the dry mouth is likely because of the nicotine infused e-liquids used in vaping, having the effect of inhibiting saliva production. Thankfully, there are a number of simple things you can do to help combat the problem, such as staying hydrated, avoiding vaping late at night or while flying, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash. Choosing e-liquids that are high in VG instead of PG may also help to alleviate the problem.