May 31st is World No Tobacco Day, in which organizations around the globe raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. Most people are aware that smoking can not only increase the risk of cancer, but that tobacco use can also exacerbate gum disease and lead to tooth loss. As an alternative, some are turning to e-cigarettes. Do e-cigarettes impact oral health?
How Do They Work?
The e-cigarette is about the size of a regular cigarette. Inside is a device that heats up the cartridge placed inside. This creates a vapor that the user inhales and exhales. The cartridge contains nicotine and other flavor elements. The goal is to offer a safer alternative to tobacco an even to help people quit. But are they really a safer option?
Should I Avoid E-Cigarettes?
The fact is no one agrees on the dangers of e-cigarettes. Some cities have moved to ban them, as the candy flavoring makes them popular with children and teens. In January, a study from the New England Journal of Medicine claimed that usage could generate formaldehyde. But a mere three months later, cardiologist Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos found that in order to generate formaldehyde, people would need to smoke at excessive levels that would generally be avoided. However, they do contain nicotine, which is addictive and can affect the development of the brain in children and teens.
Oral Cancer Screenings
If you do smoke traditional cigarettes, we strongly recommend quitting. Otherwise, you will have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. As part of our routine checkups, we can perform thorough oral cancer screenings. In order to receive a screening, simply schedule a checkup today. If you would like to do so or if you have any questions, please contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX DENTIST:
Dallas TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, DDS offers a comfortable dental care employing the latest in cutting-edge dental technology. We strive to make sure our patients in Dallas and Richardson have access to innovative preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
