Dental experts are raising alarms as more young people are visiting dentists with tooth decay and gum issues linked to vaping. Dental surgeon Dr. Smita Mehra noted a worrying increase in cavities and oral health problems in patients under 30, conditions previously more common in older adults who smoked.
Research by Action on Smoking and Health shows that about 5.5 million Britons, or 10 per cent of the population, vape. Dr. Mehra told the Daily Mail that vaping is often more addictive than tobacco for young users and is causing oral health issues earlier than expected.
“Vaping can cause dry mouth, which prevents saliva from washing away bacteria and neutralising acids. Without this natural defence, plaque builds up, and decay starts,” Dr. Mehra explained. She added that nicotine in e-liquids reduces saliva flow, while warm vapor accelerates evaporation, further drying the mouth.
Vaping also affects the gums. “It can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and infection. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums, making the problem worse,” said Dr. Mehra. She also noted that regular vapers often develop tartar and staining on the side of the mouth where they hold the device—a pattern increasingly seen in younger patients.
Studies indicate that vaping liquids containing propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin contribute to dry mouth and enamel damage. A study in the JDR Clinical & Translational Research journal found that vapers are 80 per cent more likely to experience dry mouth than non-vapers.
Vaping is also linked to other health concerns among young people. Research shows that children who vape are more likely to later smoke, develop asthma, experience mental health challenges, and face a higher risk of respiratory illnesses and substance abuse.
In response, experts are calling for stricter regulations on vape packaging and flavours to reduce youth appeal. A University College London study found that standardised packaging and limited flavour descriptions can help deter young people from vaping. Dr. Eve Taylor from UCL said regulators must balance discouraging non-smokers while not preventing smokers from using vaping as a quitting aid.
The rise of vaping-related dental issues highlights the need for awareness among parents and young people about the risks of e-cigarettes on oral and overall health.
