Today, for National No Smoking Day 2024, smokers across the UK are being urged to find out how they can kick the habit for good.
However, a British dentist has issued a warning to vapers and ex-smokers that cigarette alternatives can also cause damage to their teeth and gums.
Dr. Deepak Aulak, founder of AI-powered dentist app Toothfairy and This Morning regular, said: ‘Smoking destroys lives so it’s commendable when people want to quit.
‘Your oral health starts to improve within 20 minutes of quitting that last cigarette, but it’s nowhere near as simple as it is for many ex-smokers who struggle and suffer with cravings.
‘Many are turning to nicotine replacement products to wean themselves off cigarettes or have turned to vaping in the belief that they are a healthier alternative.
The British dentist, Dr. Deepak Aulak, has issued a warning to vapers and ex-smokers that cigarette alternatives can also cause damage to their teeth and gums.
‘Most worrying are the many young people who have taken up vaping with seemingly little thought to the long-term impact on both their mouths and bodies.’
Addition: ‘If you are trying to quit or want advice on how e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, ask your dentist.’
The government is aiming to make England and Wales smoke-free by 2030 and 2034 for Scotland – from yellow and brown stains to tooth loss, gum disease and mouth cancer, the dangers of smoking are well documented.
But while the numbers are falling, around 6.4 million British adults continue to smoke and more than 3,000 people died from mouth cancer last year.
National No Smoking Day aims to offer support and encouragement to those on the path to quitting – many of whom are turning to alternatives such as vapes and nicotine replacement gum.
Read on to find out about Dr. Deepak’s advice if you’re considering some of the most popular smoking alternatives.
VAPES AND E-CIGARETTES
Once advertised as the ‘safer’ alternative to smoking, greater awareness is now growing about the risks of vaping and e-cigarettes.
Vape juice or e-liquids – whether nicotine-free or not – contain metals, ‘volatile organic compounds’ and cancer-causing chemicals (stock image)
Thanks to a series of recent studies and analyses, it is now well established that electronic cigarettes – which use vapor instead of smoke – are associated with a number of alarming risks, from serious damage to blood vessels to permanent lung scarring.
Vape juice or e-liquids – whether nicotine-free or not – contain metals, ‘volatile organic compounds’ and cancer-causing chemicals.
E-cigarette users may experience ‘vape tongue’ or a temporary loss of taste.
Dr. Deepak said: ‘The bottom line is that it’s better for your mouth if you don’t smoke or use any nicotine replacement products at all.
“At a time when the UK is in the midst of a dental health crisis, it is particularly worrying to see so many young people using vapes – many who probably never smoked in the first place.”
A 2021 dental report showed that while the risk of periodontal disease (gum disease) was lower for vapers than smokers, it was still higher than non-smokers.
Meanwhile, another study concluded that the use of e-cigarettes has a ‘quantifiable’ impact on the mouth’s natural bacteria, known as the microbiome.
Dr. Deepak said: ‘The bottom line is that it’s better for your mouth if you don’t smoke or use nicotine replacement products at all’
The warning comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a new tax on vapes in his Spring Budget as part of the government’s bid for a ‘smoke-free generation’.
Under the chancellor’s plan to discourage non-smokers from becoming addicted to cheap nicotine-containing gadgets, the price of the strongest e-cigarette liquid will rise by up to £3.
NICOTINE PUNCHES
Another popular alternative for those trying to kick the habit is nicotine pouches.
Placed in the mouth, between the lip and the gum, the pouches slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream to help former smokers fight their cravings.
While brands vary, some contain a variety of ingredients from stabilizers to fillers and flavors as well as artificial sweeteners.
The dentist warns that there are a number of health problems related to bags from cavities to dry mouth, throat irritation, bad breath, receding gums and chipped or broken teeth.
Nicotine pouches will also speed up the process of gum disease.
The dentist also warned that nicotine pouches (LEFT) and chewing gum (RIGHT) can be bad for your teeth and gums (stock photos)
Dr. Deepak explained: ‘Your mouth is a delicate environment and the presence of a bag introducing substances will disrupt the natural bacteria.
‘Seek advice from your dentist if you are a user or concerned about the effects on your oral health.’
Users are advised to regularly change the position of the bag in their mouth, limit their use and try to reduce talking during use due to friction caused by the gums.
NICOTINE GUM
Finally, the dentist warns against nicotine gum, as there are some worrying side effects associated with their use.
While nicotine gum is better for oral health than smoking, mouth sores on the tongue and cheeks and dry mouth can result from regular use.
Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, so direct contact with the gums can also lead to gingivitis or gum disease.
Dr. Deepak added: ‘Chewing sugar-free gum can actually be good for your oral health because it increases the production of saliva, which helps get rid of unwanted acid and bacteria.
“Although the chewing process is not necessarily affected, the presence of nicotine in your gums can worsen your gums and lead to problems later.”
The dentist’s advice follows news in January that single-use vapes will be banned in a bid to protect children’s health and prevent them becoming ‘hooked for life’.
The number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, driven by disposable devices that come in a range of bright colors and tempting flavours.
The ban is expected to take effect in late 2024 or early 2025.