Tooth Decay

**BlueSun** · 07-15-2009, 08:09 PM

I went to the dentist yesterday, and he discovered that I had a small cavity on one of my molars. And I was only last at the dentist two months ago, about a month before I took up vaping. The last time I had a cavity was when I was a kid twenty eight years ago. I've always taken great care of my dental hygiene by brushing after every meal, aggressively flossing and using a non-alcohol based mouthwash.

Since starting vaping, I've noticed that my mouth gets extremely dry as a result of the propylene glycol. Our teeth need salivia production to fend off tooth decay, but if we're puffing on our e-cigs for hours on end, we're putting ourselves at a heightened risk of developing cavities.

This has been said before, but it's worth mentioning again. It seems that we should be drinking a lot of water while vaping, or if you can't do that, chewing gum, in order to stimulate the generation of saliva. I still find that I have "cotton mouth" well after I've stopping vaping, even though I've been consuming water. This does not bode well for dental hygiene. I'm going to start chewing gum to see if that helps.

Has anybody else noticed an increase in cavities since vaping? Have you shown your e-cig to your dentist?

**Kate51** · 07-15-2009, 10:19 PM

Have not been to a dentist, but do agree PG does leave dry mouth. VG not as drying, but seems to leave a "coat". So I find myself brushing more. Good point to make BlueSun, I'm sure most of us do not drink enough water to be sure. I'm a coffee drinker also, so always have to remind myself, H2O!!!

**BlueSun** · 07-16-2009, 05:18 AM

I decided not to use my e-cig today (I'm using zero nic) to see if my saliva production would increase, and what a big difference it has made. The "cotton mouth" feeling is definitely going away. I have been using my e-cig for about two hours a day, so I think I'm going to cut way back. It's just that new toy syndrome, I can't seem to leave it alone.

I read that analogue smokers have three times as many cavities as non-smokers because of xerostomia (dry mouth.) An excessive case can lead to a rapid decline in dental health, which is why I'm wondering if my new cavity is a result of the PG. I don't recall my mouth ever being as dry when smoking my cigars and cigarillos as it is when vaping.

Everything enjoyable must have its downside. Have to go get my filling this week.

**wv2win** · 07-16-2009, 05:22 AM

You should probably stop vaping.

**shivadance** · 07-16-2009, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by wv2win

You should probably stop vaping.

Where's me pliers? Gots to pull me pesky cavity-prone vapers teeth before it gets out of control.

Plus side, no more bite marks on me carts.

**SueandCootie** · 07-16-2009, 06:09 AM

I developed some years ago thyroid problems and at the same time my mouth and eyes became dry..perfect teeth suddenly at age 35 began to fall apart, and now that I've started vaping it seems to be getting even worse at a much faster rate. Drinking extra has not helped before and doesn't now...I'm pretty sure my thyroid levels have tanked as well. Going to the doc tomorrow, in fact. I enjoy vaping and gave up analogs entirely, but I wish I felt better!

**BlueSun** · 07-16-2009, 08:23 PM

wv2win:

I hate to say it, but you're probably right.

SueandCootie:

Sorry to hear about your teeth problems. Maybe you should talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter saliva substitutes and stimulants.