E-cigs and enamel: how vaping can cost you your smile

Comparison of teeth before and after whitening, showing a woman's smile with yellowish teeth on the left and bright white teeth on the right.

Vaping has become one of the most common alternatives to smoking in recent years. Promoted as a "healthier" option, e-cigarettes are marketed to help people quit smoking traditional tobacco. However, as their popularity continues to rise, especially in younger people, so do concerns about the effects of vaping, not just on general health, but more specifically on oral health.

At our Christchurch dental clinic, we’re seeing more patients who vape and experiencing firsthand the impact on their oral health. So, is vaping really bad for your teeth and gums? Let’s take a closer look.

Vape 101: what’s in that cloud?

Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol (commonly referred to as vapour) created by heating a liquid in an e-cigarette device. The liquids often contain nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. While vaping does eliminate some of the tar and toxins associated with cigarettes, it's far from harmless.

Cloudy with a chance of cavities: How vaping affects your oral health

Here’s what current research, and our day-to-day experience as dentists in Christchurch, tells us:

Dry mouth and bad breath

Propylene glycol, a major ingredient in vape juice, draws moisture from your mouth’s tissues. This leads to dry mouth (xerostomia), which reduces saliva flow. Saliva is crucial role in neutralising acid, protecting enamel, and washing away food debris and bacteria. Without enough of it, you're more vulnerable to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum irritation.

Changes in oral bacteria

The chemicals in vape aerosols alter the delicate bacterial balance in your mouth, increasing harmful bacteria and making it easier for plaque to form. This raises your risk of developing cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Delayed healing

Nicotine, whether smoked or vaped, constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the gums. This can delay healing after dental treatment, affect the success of orthodontic surgery, or cause issues following procedures such as implants and cosmetic dentistry work.

Tooth discolouration

While vaping doesn’t contain tar like traditional cigarettes, the sticky residue left by vape aerosol and artificial flavourings can cling to teeth and fillings, trapping stains. Over time, a bright smile looks yellowed or dull.

Dentist in mask and gloves examining a patient's teeth. Patient is sitting in a dental chair with mouth open.

Can your dentist tell if you vape?

Absolutely. During a routine dental check-up, Riccarton dental hygienists in Christchurch and dentists can detect signs of vaping including inflammation of the gums, dry mouth symptoms, and plaque build-up.

It’s really important you are open and honest about vaping or smoking. We always encourage open communication with patients, so your dental care is tailored to meet your unique needs to keep your mouth healthy. So don’t be shy. Duxton Dental is here to help, not judge.

Vaping vs smoking: which is worse for your teeth?

This is a tricky one. Traditional smoking has been extensively studied, and its damaging effects on oral health are well documented. Vaping, by contrast, is relatively new, and while early studies suggest it's less harmful than smoking, it’s by no means safe.

What makes vaping particularly concerning is how many non-smokers, especially teens and young adults, are taking it up as a lifestyle habit, exposing their teeth and gums to risks they may not even be aware of.

From an oral health perspective, both vaping and smoking:

Increase the risk of gum disease.
Interfere with healing after dental procedures.
Encourage dry mouth and cause bad breath.
Cause discolouration and plaque build-up.

In other words, if you want to protect your smile, quitting altogether is your best bet.

Protecting your smile: what you can do

If you vape but still want to prioritise your dental health, here’s how to reduce the impact:

1. Visit your dentist regularly

Early detection is key. At our Christchurch dental clinic, we provide comprehensive dental health care, hygiene treatments, and quality dental care tailored to your lifestyle. Regular check-ups help us identify and treat problems before they escalate.

2. Stay hydrated and practice good oral hygiene

Combat dry mouth by drinking lots of water throughout the day. Brush twice daily, floss, and consider mouth rinses that support saliva production.

3. Quit vaping (or seek support)

Our team can refer you to appropriate support services to access safe quitting strategies. Quitting vaping is not just a decision for your lungs, it’s a major win for your mouth, too.

4. Consider cosmetic treatments if needed

If you’re concerned about staining, plaque, or enamel wear, call Duxton Dental about our cosmetic dentistry services including professional teeth whitening and veneers. Many of our patients combine cosmetic dentistry options with orthodontic treatment for a full smile refresh.

Woman smiling outside a teal door, holding coffee and a bag. She has keys in her hand and is near green foliage.

Thinking about Invisalign? vaping could affect your results

If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment or considering Invisalign in Christchurch, be aware that vaping can stain the aligners and compromise your oral hygiene. The plastic trays can trap bacteria and vapour residue against the teeth, increasing your risk of decay and bad breath.

That’s why we recommend all patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign NZ users, avoid vaping entirely during the process. Clean, healthy gums and teeth lead to better long-term outcomes.

It’s time to take your oral health seriously

The truth is, vaping is bad for your oral health. From the less noticeable symptoms like dry mouth and bad breath to more serious concerns like gum disease and tooth loss, the risks are real. And while vaping may still be considered a “safer” option than cigarettes, that doesn’t mean it’s safe, especially when it comes to your teeth and gums.

If you vape, have recently started vaping, or are noticing changes in your oral health, now is the perfect time to check in with a dentist in Christchurch NZ. Our team of experienced professionals at our Riccarton dental clinic offers a full range of dental services in Christchurch, including:

General dental care.
Hygiene and preventative treatments.
Cosmetic dentistry in Riccarton.
Invisalign Riccarton and other Christchurch orthodontics solutions.

Book your appointment today

Your smile deserves expert care, especially if you're navigating lifestyle habits that are compromising your oral health. If you’re looking for trusted Riccarton dentists offering comprehensive dental services in Christchurch NZ patients recommend, we’re here for you. Let our experienced dentists in Christchurch help you take back control and keep your smile bright, healthy, and vape-free. Book your appointment on 03 348 5488, your oral health is too important to leave to chance.

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