Many people switch to vaping thinking it's the safer choice — but when it comes to your teeth and gums, e-cigarettes can do just as much damage as traditional cigarettes.
Read on to learn how vaping affects your gum health, or contact Norge Dental Center for a gum health consultation.
E-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) are often marketed as a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. Still, the chemicals in e-cigarette vapors can be just as damaging — and in some cases, more so.
E-cigarette use remains widespread among young people: in 2024, the CDC found that 7.8% of high school students — roughly 1.21 million teens — currently use e-cigarettes, along with 410,000 middle school students. Researchers have also found that vaping can kill cells in the gums and mouth after just a few days of exposure, with menthol-flavored vapor causing the most damage.
Both tobacco products and e-cigarettes break down the defensive barrier in the mouth that normally protects against infection and inflammation. Once that barrier is destroyed, you’re at a higher risk for gum disease and oral cancer.
Nicotine restricts the amount of blood that flows through your body — including to your gums. Without sufficient blood flow, the gum tissues don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy, which can lead to tissue breakdown over time.
If you're dealing with the early signs of gum damage from vaping or smoking, you don't have to figure out next steps on your own. Norge Dental Center has been part of the Williamsburg community for years, and we take a straightforward, judgment-free approach to gum health. Whether you're ready to quit vaping, already quit, or just noticed something that concerns you, our team will walk you through what we're seeing and what your options look like, without any pressure.
At Norge Dental Center, we make it easy to get the gum disease care you need in one convenient location. To schedule a consultation, call your Williamsburg dentist at (757) 564-0804 or book an appointment online today.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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