Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, involves heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that is inhaled. This practice introduces various chemicals into the mouth, raising concerns about its effects on oral health, including the buildup of dental tartar. Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard deposit that can only be removed by a dental professional. Vaping contributes to this buildup through both the physical effects of the act and the chemical properties of the e-liquid components.
Understanding How Tartar Forms
Tartar formation begins with dental plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. This film develops when oral bacteria combine with food debris and saliva, producing acids that can damage enamel. If soft plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it begins to absorb minerals from the saliva, specifically calcium and phosphate compounds. This mineralization process causes the plaque to harden, typically within 24 to 72 hours, transforming it into tartar. Once tartar forms, its rough and porous surface attracts more plaque, making it harder to clean the teeth effectively.
Vaping’s Impact on the Oral Environment
The act of vaping significantly alters the natural environment inside the mouth, creating conditions that accelerate plaque formation. One major consequence is xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is common among e-cigarette users. Propylene glycol (PG), a primary carrier solvent in e-liquids, is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs water from the surrounding environment, including saliva.
Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism, washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by plaque bacteria. When saliva flow is reduced, this natural buffering and cleansing action is compromised, leaving the teeth vulnerable. Nicotine, whether vaped or smoked, also contributes to reduced blood flow to the gums, impairing the mouth’s ability to fight infection and maintain tissue health.
Without sufficient saliva, the oral pH drops, creating an acidic environment where cariogenic bacteria thrive. This shift in the oral microbiome, combined with the lack of physical rinsing action, allows plaque to accumulate faster and mineralize into tartar more readily.
How E-Liquid Components Accelerate Plaque Buildup
Beyond the issue of dry mouth, specific ingredients in e-liquids directly contribute to the stickiness of plaque and the proliferation of bacteria. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a viscous, slightly sweet liquid that makes up a large portion of e-liquid volume alongside Propylene Glycol. Research indicates that the viscous nature of the VG aerosol promotes increased adhesion of bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay, to the tooth enamel.
Studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosols can cause a four-fold increase in microbial adhesion to the enamel surface. When combined with flavorings, e-liquid exposure can lead to a two-fold increase in the formation of dental biofilm. Many flavorings and artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, are added to e-liquids to enhance taste, and these compounds further fuel the cariogenic bacteria.
These flavored aerosols possess physiochemical properties similar to high-sucrose candies and acidic drinks, significantly increasing the potential for tooth decay and subsequent tartar formation. Furthermore, exposure to flavored e-liquids has been linked to a decrease in enamel hardness by up to 27% compared to unflavored controls, making the tooth surface more susceptible to bacterial damage.
Reducing Vaping-Related Oral Health Risks
Individuals who vape can take specific, proactive steps to mitigate the increased risk of tartar buildup and other oral health issues. To counteract xerostomia, maintaining continuous hydration throughout the day is recommended to promote saliva flow. Rinsing the mouth with plain water immediately after vaping helps wash away residual e-liquid components and reduces the adherence of the viscous aerosol to tooth surfaces.
Enhanced at-home oral hygiene is also beneficial:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day to mechanically remove soft plaque before it hardens.
- Using a fluoride mouthwash may provide additional defense by strengthening enamel and combating the acidic environment.
- Maintain a consistent schedule of dental check-ups and professional cleanings for early detection and removal of deposits.