Are E-Cigarettes Safe?

Posted by DrSimmons | Filed under , , , ,

Are E-Cigarettes Safe 

    Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) don’t contain tobacco, they still contain nicotine from the tobacco plant.  They work, using batteries, to produce an aerosol that you inhale or “vape”.  To create the e-liquid, nicotine is extracted from tobacco and mixed with a base (usually propylene glycol), flavorings, colorings, and other chemicals.


    In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that “e-cigarettes have not been fully studied, so consumers currently don’t know the potential risks of e-cigarettes when used as intended, how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are being inhaled during use, or whether there are any benefits associated with using these products.”  Clinical studies are ongoing to understand e-cigarettes’ impact on health.

******What Parents Should Know******

-  Nicotine can affect brain development in children and teens.

-  Some e-cigarettes have candy flavoring, which could make them appealing to kids.

-  They don't leave a smell like tobacco. So it's harder for parents to know if their kids are vaping.


     The nicotine inside the cartridges is addictive. If you stop using it, you can get withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, restlessness and anxiety.  Vaping can be dangerous for people with heart problems. And it may harm your arteries over time.  E-cigarettes can cause gum recession and other oral health problems even though the nicotine dose is lower than traditional cigarettes.  Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it reduces the amount of blood that can flow through your veins. Without sufficient blood flow, the tissues in the mouth do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.  The result is gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause bad breath, and inflammation throughout the body.  And as you no doubt remember, inflammation caused by gum disease causes or promotes heart disease, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.

******Nicotine Intensifies Teeth Grinding******

     Nicotine, being a stimulant,  fires up the facial muscles, making you grind your teeth more intensely if you’re already a grinder.  It may even prompt you to start grinding your teeth, which will eventually wear down your teeth.


If you are going to use e-cigarettes, you must be vigilant about seeing your dentist more often.  Visit your dentist every three months to monitor your gums and teeth for gum disease in order to prevent tooth and bone loss.

Please call us for an appointment for your next dental exam and cleaning.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Gentle Dentists,

Dr. Simmons (661) 947-3163