As the owner of South Coast Orthodontics in Australia, I am deeply concerned about the widespread use of vaping in public places such as bus stops, train stations and schools across the Illawarra region. The sight of teenagers and adults engaging in vaping, particularly when they are passing vapes around in groups, is troubling. While I’ll refrain from delving into the political and social aspects of this issue, I feel compelled to shed light on the significant oral and orthodontic health risks associated with vaping.
Initially developed as a tool to help smokers quit traditional cigarettes, vaping has gained popularity as a perceived “safer” alternative. This practice involves inhaling vaporised liquid through a device that heats a mixture of nicotine, flavourings, and chemicals to create an aerosol.
Despite claims that vaping products contain fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, the true composition and health implications of the vapour remain uncertain. The exhaled vapour contains nanoparticles, volatile organic compounds, carbonyls, heavy metals, and nicotine, which are far from harmless water vapour.
Recent data has revealed a troubling connection between vaping and lung injuries, chronic diseases, and asthma. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have documented numerous cases of lung injuries and fatalities linked to vaping.
The marketing tactics employed by vape companies, such as enticing flavours and eye-catching packaging, have led to a surge in e-cigarette use among young adults, particularly females, in Australia.
The impact of vaping on oral health is a significant concern. Dry mouth resulting from vaping can contribute to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. The disruption of the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the mouth due to vaping may elevate the risk of developing periodontal disease.
The combination of dry mouth and exposure to vaping chemicals may exacerbate dental caries and oral lesions. Furthermore, there is a potential association between vaping and oral cancer that warrants attention.
Moreover, there is a need to explore the full extent of vaping’s effects on tooth movement. Research suggests that nicotine present in vaping liquids may possess vasoconstrictive properties, which could impede blood flow to tissues, including the periodontal ligament encasing the teeth. This diminished blood circulation may hinder essential cellular functions necessary for orthodontic tooth adjustments, potentially leading to increased alveolar bone loss and root erosion.
This may sound complex, but the takeaway is easy. Stop vaping.
Dental professionals across Wollongong, the Illawarra, Sydney and Australia are committed to addressing the risks associated with vaping. Needless to say, the South Coast Orthodontics team and I are committed to educating you about better lifestyle choices that improve your oral health and orthodontic journey.
Warm regards,
Dr. Kamal Ahmed
P.S Why did the pharmacist walk on her tiptoes? She didn’t want to wake the sleeping pills.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Vaping is marketed to be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes because it doesn’t involve the combustion of tobacco, which releases harmful chemicals and toxins. However, research has proven that it carries fatal risks and health concerns, especially for those who are not already smokers.
2. Can vaping help me quit smoking?
Some people use vaping as a tool to help them quit smoking traditional cigarettes, as they assume that they can gradually reduce their nicotine intake by choosing e-liquids with lower nicotine levels. However, vaping is not an Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration or U.S FDA approved smoking cessation tool. More global research is revealing its dangers and consequences.
3. What are the potential health risks of vaping?
Health risks include lung damage, nicotine addiction, exposure to harmful chemicals in e-liquids, and the risk of developing popcorn lung, medically known as bronchiolitis obliterans.
4. What harmful ingredients and chemicals are found in vaping products?
a. Nicotine: Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in most e-liquids. It can have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system and lead to addiction.
b. Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin: When heated and inhaled, these chemicals break down into harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
c. Flavourings: Many e-liquids contain artificial flavourings to enhance the taste. Flavourings such as diacetyl are linked to respiratory issues and lung damage.
e. Heavy Metals: Vaping devices, particularly older or poorly made ones, can release heavy metals such as lead, nickel, and chromium into the vapour, which is harmful when inhaled.
5. What are the new TGA Vaping Laws in Australia?
After extensive damning medical research and inpatient outcomes at hospitals across the country, from 1 July 2024, new penalties will apply for the unlawful importation, manufacture, advertising, supply and commercial possession of vaping goods.
The maximum criminal penalties per contravention are:
- seven years in jail and/or
- 5,000 penalty units (equivalent to $1.565 million for an individual and $7.825 million for a corporation).
The maximum civil penalty per contravention is:
- 7,000 penalty units ($2.191 million) for an individual
- 70,000 penalty units ($21.91 million) for a corporation.
This is based on the penalty unit rate at 30 June 2024, which will be indexed periodically.
As an orthodontist, member of the medical community and father of three children, I absolutely oppose the sales, consumption, proliferation and use of all vaping products.
