By now, you have probably heard the news surrounding the popular trend that is vaping. Health officials, lawmakers, and parents have been raising concerns about this cigarette alternative for a couple of years now. Vaping came out as a healthier alternative for smokers but as we have recently figured out that this is not true.
Electronic cigarettes, also known as smokeless cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or e-cigs, work by heating a liquid to produce a mist or vapor that users inhale into their lungs. There is no fire, no ash, and no smoky smell. These are a few reasons why this product has become so popular. E-cigarettes have especially become popular among America’s youth and it is currently the most commonly used form of tobacco.
These little yet powerful devices may be trendy, but are they worth the health risks?
The short answer is no. For years we have known that smoking tobacco is bad for your oral health. Your risk for developing oral cancer increases as well as an increase in gum disease. It also contributes to the same bad breath that comes along with smoking. Now you may be thinking that these electric cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, which must make them healthier, right?
Wrong. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, the addictive chemical found in tobacco.
They can also contain more chemicals that the user is not aware of yet still inhales into their lungs.
This lack of knowledge around what exactly people are vaping is a large part of the vaping problem. Putting unknown chemicals into the body can cause damaging health problems outside of the mouth and lungs. Problems such as damage to your blood cells and your increased risk of heart disease. Other reasons why vaping is bad for your teeth, gums and overall oral health include receding gums, tooth decay, bruxism, and tooth damage.
To sum up, vaping poses similar health risks as smoking a cigarette. The tobaccoless device contains still contains many chemicals that can do damage to not just your oral health, but your overall health.
If you are a smoker, do not be fooled by the misconception that e-cigarettes are the healthier alternative to tobacco cigarettes. Please consider all the health risks involved with smoking the next time you reach for an e-cig.
Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
Other Information:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/electronic-cigarette.htm