A burning sensation on the tongue from vaping can be an uncomfortable experience. While it is not always a direct thermal burn, various factors associated with vaping can lead to oral discomfort. Understanding these causes helps manage and prevent this discomfort.
How Vaping Can Lead to a Burning Sensation
Vaping can cause a burning or irritating sensation on the tongue through several mechanisms beyond simple heat. One common cause is the direct heat from the vapor itself. Vaping at high wattage settings or “chain vaping” can produce excessively hot vapor that irritates or mildly burns oral tissues, including the tongue.
E-liquid components can also contribute to this discomfort through chemical irritation. Propylene glycol (PG), a common ingredient in e-liquids, can be irritating for some individuals, causing a burning sensation or sore throat. Certain flavorings, such as cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon flavors) and menthol, are known irritants that can activate sensory receptors in the mouth, leading to a burning or tingling feeling.
Dehydration and dry mouth, known as xerostomia, are frequent side effects of vaping that can make the tongue more susceptible to irritation. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), the primary base ingredients in e-liquids, are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from their surroundings. This leads to reduced saliva production and a dry mouth, which in turn can cause the tongue to feel raw or burned.
Allergic reactions to e-liquid ingredients might manifest as a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue, along with other symptoms like swelling or redness. Device malfunctions can also play a role. Issues like a coil flooding (e-liquid accumulation spitting hot droplets) or a device overheating can deliver abnormally hot vapor or liquid directly to the tongue, causing a burning sensation.
What to Do if Your Tongue Burns
If your tongue burns from vaping, stop vaping immediately. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly with cool water to cool irritated tissues and wash away irritants. Drinking plenty of water also rehydrates your mouth, counteracting dryness from vaping.
To soothe the discomfort, suck on ice chips or sugar-free lozenges. These provide a cooling effect and stimulate saliva, lubricating and protecting oral tissues. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and gently cleaning your tongue, also alleviates symptoms.
Most tongue irritation from vaping is temporary and resolves with these measures, but seek professional medical attention if needed. If burning persists, worsens, or if you develop blisters, severe pain, or signs of infection (swelling, redness, or pus), consult a doctor or dentist promptly. These symptoms could indicate a more severe issue requiring medical assessment.
Preventing Oral Discomfort from Vaping
To prevent oral discomfort from vaping, several proactive measures. Adjusting your device settings is a good starting point; using appropriate wattage prevents excessively hot vapor from irritating the tongue. Overheating can also be a sign of a coil that needs replacing or a device malfunction, so ensuring proper maintenance is important.
E-liquid selection significantly impacts oral comfort. Choosing e-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content, such as a 70% VG to 30% PG ratio, can be beneficial, as VG is generally less irritating and less drying than PG. Avoiding flavors known to cause irritation, like strong cinnamon or menthol, may also help. Opting for reputable e-liquid brands ensures higher quality ingredients and proper formulation.
Maintaining consistent hydration throughout the day is another simple yet effective strategy. Drinking water frequently can counteract the drying effects of PG and VG, keeping your mouth moist and less prone to irritation. Pacing your vaping and avoiding chain vaping allows your oral tissues time to recover between puffs, reducing exposure to heat and irritants.
Finally, practicing good overall oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, contributes to a healthy oral environment that is more resilient to potential irritants. Regularly cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper can also help remove any buildup that might contribute to discomfort.