Article: Vaping and Oral Health: It's Worse Than You Think
Highlights:
The first danger of e-cigarettes (vaping) is the carrier component known as propylene glycol (PG). When taken orally, "the breakdown products of PG include acetic acid, lactic acid, and propionaldehyde, which are all toxic to enamel and soft tissue". PG is a hygroscopic product ("water molecules in saliva and oral tissue will bond to the PG molecules, leading to tissue desiccation"). "The result of this is xerostomia, or ""dry mouth," which has been shown to lead to an increase in cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues."
The other major dangerous components of e-liquid are glycerin and flavorings. "E-liquid allows more cavity-causing bacteria to stick to a softer tooth and can lead to rampant decay."
Vaping can be just as dangerous, "if not more dangerous, when compared with smoking". Younger generations are being lured into vaping thinking that is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. "According to a 2013–2014 survey, 81% of current youth e-cigarette users cited the availability of appealing flavors as the primary reason for use."
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