Vaping, Acid Reflux, and Your Teeth: What You Need to Know

Vape pens and e-cigarettes have become a common sight, especially among younger adults. The fruity flavors, sleek devices, and smoke-free clouds create the illusion of a cleaner, gentler habit. 

But beneath that vapor is a mixture of chemicals and nicotine that affect more than just your lungs. They can also upset your digestive system and disrupt the balance in your oral cavity.

In this blog, you will learn how vaping fuels gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and how acid reflux episodes contribute to enamel erosion and increases the risk of tooth loss.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus and mouth.

Stomach acid can travel up into the mouth without warning, particularly during sleep. When this happens regularly, the acid can gradually erode tooth enamel, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and damage.

Vaping and Acid Reflux

Vaping irritates the throat and weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The esophageal sphincter is a muscle that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When it weakens, acid can escape and lead to gastric reflux and even laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Here is how vaping contributes to acid reflux symptoms:

• Nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which increases the likelihood of acid reflux episodes.
• Vape aerosols can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva that normally helps neutralize acid and clear food particles.
• Some vape flavorings are acidic, which adds to the acid load on your teeth and raises the risk of cavities.
• Throat irritation and a persistent cough may worsen inflammation and negatively affect your oral health over time.

If you vape and experience chronic cough, a sour taste in your mouth, or dry mouth, vaping could be a factor in both acid reflux and oral symptoms.

How Acid Reflux Damages Teeth

Stomach acid has a pH of 1 to 2, making it highly corrosive to tooth enamel. When acid from the stomach reaches the mouth, it can gradually wear down enamel over time. Repeated exposure leads to permanent erosion and increases the risk of tooth decay.

Here’s what can happen as the damage progresses:

• Weakened enamel makes the chewing surfaces more vulnerable to wear and damage.
• Tooth discoloration becomes more noticeable as the enamel thins and the yellow dentin underneath shows through.
• Sensitivity may develop, causing discomfort when brushing or consuming hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods.
• Tooth loss or gum disease can occur if the erosion is left untreated and oral care is neglected.

Tips to Protect Your Teeth from Acid Reflux

If you vape and deal with acid reflux, these habits can help protect your enamel and support better oral health.

• Limit or stop vaping before bed or after meals
• Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating or vaping
• Rinse your mouth with water after vaping or reflux episodes
• Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva flow
• Avoid acidic and fatty foods
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce dry mouth
• Brush and floss daily using fluoride toothpaste
• Schedule regular dental visits to catch early signs of erosion

Schedule a Dental Exam at Power Road Dental Care

If you are noticing changes in your teeth or have frequent acid reflux, it may be time to schedule a dental exam. 

Watch for signs like sudden tooth sensitivity, yellowing or thinning enamel, changes near the gumline, or a rise in cavities without any change in your diet. These may indicate enamel erosion or other oral complications related to acid exposure.

At Power Road Dental Care in Mesa, AZ, we monitor for signs of erosion, provide personalized treatment plans, and coordinate with your physician if acid reflux is an ongoing concern.If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.