Vaping is becoming more and more popular with younger residents of Bend, Oregon. However, this increased popularity of vaping is bringing with it a hidden health risk – oral health problems. Studies have shown that vaping can cause more damage to oral health than smoking, with younger residents of Bend seeing the most impact.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why vaping is causing more oral health problems in younger Bend residents and how they can mitigate the impacts of vaping on their oral health.
The Impact of Vaping on Oral Health
Vaping, which involves the use of an electronic device to inhale and exhale vapor, doesn’t contain the same level of harmful toxins as traditional tobacco products. However, studies have shown that e-cigarettes can damage the mouth in a number of ways. The heat and vapor from vaping can cause dry mouth, increased plaque and tartar build-up, bad breath, and an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Studies have also shown that vaping increases the risk of developing mouth cancer. In a study published in the International Journal of Oncology, researchers found that e-cigarette vapor caused more damage to the cells in the mouth than traditional tobacco products. The study concluded that e-cigarette vapor could potentially lead to higher rates of mouth cancer.
The Impact on Bend’s Younger Residents
These risks are especially concerning for the younger residents of Bend, as they are the demographic most likely to vape. According to the 2019 Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, 23% of high school students in Bend reported using an e-cigarette in the past month. This is higher than the statewide average of 13%.
Many young Bend residents who vape may overlook the risks to their oral health, as well as their overall well-being. Studies have shown that younger e-cigarette users are more likely to suffer from a range of oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Mitigating the Impacts of Vaping
While many residents of Bend are unlikely to give up vaping completely, there are steps that they can take to mitigate the effects of vaping on their oral health.
One of the most important things that a resident can do is to visit their dentist regularly. A dentist can spot and treat any early signs of oral health problems before they become serious. They can also provide advice on how to look after your oral health while vaping.
Vaping Alternatives
There are also some vaping alternatives which are better for oral health than traditional vapes. For example, some rechargeable vaping devices contain distilled water, nicotine, and flavoring. These devices produce much less heat and vapor, meaning they are less damaging to the oral area.
A newer vaping alternative, called heat-not-burn tobacco products, is also less harmful to the mouth than traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes. These products heat up tobacco rather than burning it, producing fewer toxins and less harmful chemicals.
Concluding Thoughts
Vaping is a popular practice among young residents of Bend, Oregon. However, it comes with a number of potential risks to the oral health of its users. Studies have shown that vaping can cause dry mouth, increased plaque and tartar build-up, bad breath, and increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. There is also an increased risk of developing mouth cancer.
To mitigate the impacts of vaping on oral health, it is important to visit a dentist regularly and consider some less harmful vaping alternatives. With good oral care and an awareness of the potential risks, residents of Bend can take steps to protect their oral health while enjoying vaping.