Today, smokers around the UK are being encouraged to find out how they can quit the habit for good, for National No Smoking Day 2024.
However, a British dentist has issued a warning to vapers and ex-smokers that cigarette alternatives can also cause harm to their teeth and gums.
Dr Deepak Aulak, founder of AI-powered dental app Toothfairy and This Morning regular, said: ‘Smoking wrecks lives, so it’s commendable when people want to quit.
‘Your oral health begins to improve within 20 minutes of stubbing out that last cigarette, but it is far from as simple as that for many ex-smokers, who battle and suffer with cravings.
‘Many turn to nicotine-replacement products to wean themselves off cigarettes or have turned to vapes in the belief they are a healthier alternative.
‘Most worrying are the many young people who have taken up vaping with seemingly little thought for the long-term impact on both their mouth and their body.’
Adding: ‘If you’re trying to quit or want advice on how e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, ask your dentist.’
The government is striving 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 numbers are falling, some 6.4million UK adults continue to smoke and more than 3,000 people died of mouth cancer last year.
National No Smoking Day aims to offer support and encouragement to those on their quitting journey – many of whom turn to alternatives such as vapes and nicotine replacement gums.
Read on to find out Dr Deepak’s advice if you are 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 around the risks of vaping and e-cigarettes.
Thanks to a swathe of recent studies and analyses, it is now well-proven that electronic cigarettes – which use vapor instead of smoke – are linked to a range of alarming risks, from severe 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 can experience ‘vape tongue’ or a temporary loss of taste.
Dr Deepak said: ‘The bottom line is, it’s better for your mouth if you don’t smoke or use any nicotine replacement products at all.
‘At a time the UK is in the midst of a dental health crisis, It is especially concerning to see so many young people using vapes – many who likely never smoked in the first place.’
A 2021 dental report found 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 have a ‘quantifiable’ impact on the mouth’s natural bacteria, known as microbiome.
The warning comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a new levy 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 getting addicted to cheap nicotine-laden gadgets, the price of the strongest e-cigarette fluid will rise by up to £3.
NICOTINE POUCHES
Another popular alternative for those trying to drop the habit, is nicotine pouches.
They are placed in the mouth, slotted between the lip and gum – the pouches slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream to help ex-smokers battle their cravings.
While brands vary, some contain a variety of ingredients from stabilisers to fillers and flavourings, as well as artificial sweeteners.
The dentist warns that there are a variety of health problems related to pouches from tooth decay to dry mouth, throat irritation, bad breath, gum recession and chipped or broken teeth.
Nicotine pouches will also accelerate the process of gum disease.
Dr Deepak explained: ‘Your mouth is a delicate environment and the presence of a pouch introducing substances will disrupt the natural bacteria.
‘Seek advice from your dentist if you’re a user or concerned about the effects on your oral health.’
Users are advised to regularly change the location of the pouch in their mouth, limit their use, and try to reduce talking while using, due to friction caused against 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, oral sores on the tongue and cheeks and dry mouth can be the result of regular use.
Nicotine narrows blood vessels so direct contact with gums can cause 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.
‘While that chewing process won’t necessarily be affected, the presence of the nicotine in could aggravate your gums, and lead to problems down the line.’
The dentist’s advice comes after the news in January that disposable 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 in the past three years has tripled, driven by disposable devices which come in a range of bright colours and tempting flavours.
The ban is expected to come into force at the end of 2024 or the start of 2025.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
