Newbie to Forum - Bleeding Gums

[sara1106]

I'm glad I found this site, and more glad that I found (but can't yet reply to) a post about the gum disease/dental effects in the side effect forum.

After 25 years of analog smoking, I switched to ecigs entirely 4 months ago. I don't do the e-liquid or juice, just pre-filled 16 mg menthol cartridges for my basic e-cig model bought from a mall kiosk. I go through about one pre-filled cartridge a day (no more than 2).

Like so many others, I'm thrilled with the return of my lung function, the lack of odor, lack of butts & ash, not having to go outside (I'm in northern IL) when it's 20 below, and on and on and ON.

I have, however, developed a very disturbing side effect. The last two weeks, and this is not attributable to quitting the analogs because that was 4 months ago, my normally healthy teeth and gums have gone to hell rapidly. I have an appointment with the dentist next week, but meanwhile, can't brush with even the softest toothbrush on the market without bleeding gums ( really heavy bleeding!), and I've noticed a bit of receeding in my entire gum line - top and bottom - that really appeared quite suddenly - overnight actually - and has lasted for two weeks now. I've never had this before, and have had regular dental visits all of my life. I have no other symptoms to indicate weakened immune system or illness, and now I've found a blog from a 5-month vaper who described the exact same thing happening to him (and he also has always had perfect dental exams, and had this happen overnight).

I don't know what I'm going to do if I have to give my e-cigs up. I'm at wit's end.

 

[techtony]

I had an abscess after quiting, but from what I've read on here and the internet that's a side effect of quiting period. your gums receive more blood flow after quiting.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

My gums have also been bleeding and I'll be seeing my dentist soon. In the meantime, I am going to keep vaping because I'd rather not go back to smoking. I'll wait and see what my dentist tells me because for all I know, it could be normal. That's just me, though.

 

[sara1106]

I love my ecig so much, love vaping, and LOVE not smoking. I am praying that my dentist will be able to fix what's going on and that there's something I can find to do which will prevent further damage. I don't want to give these up, and a choice of losing my teeth or giving up ecigs is HORRIBLE.

 

[sara1106]

This is not normal, of that I'm sure. It appeared overnight, and like I said, it's not a little bleeding - it's a whole lot - and it's not concentrated in one region - but all of my gums.

 

[Rosco]

Just thinking off the top here, but if vaping has anything to do with these oral issues, one would think all people vaping would be suffering the same conditions. I'm not sure what to attribute these issues to exactly, but a informed finding would be very helpful.
I don't have the best of teeth either. All my life I've carried fillings around. But since I started vaping approaching 4 months now, I have not noticed any change other than my teeth are "less" yellow and my mouth no longers tastes like dog doodoo.

Good luck to all and I hope a conclusive finding will answer your questions.

 

[hippiebrian]

If it happened overnight, what makes you think it's from vaping? Good chance it would have happened anyways. Did your parents or anyone in your family have dentures? Despite popular belief, a lot of gum problems are genetic, and it may just be your time. See what the dentist says, and heck, I'll take bleeding gums over cardio vascular disease, emphasema (sp?), lung cancer, opd, or any of the hundreds of other problems caused by smoking...just sayin'.

 

[techtony]

This is not normal, of that I'm sure. It appeared overnight, and like I said, it's not a little bleeding - it's a whole lot - and it's not concentrated in one region - but all of my gums.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean normal for everyone. but for a few people it can happen. when my parents quit cold turkey it happened to my mom, not my dad. One of my former bosses quit cold turkey and her gums were bleeding so bad she just went back to smoking. I hope your dentist has a fix for you, good luck no matter which way it turns out for you.

 

[sara1106]

I will definitely report on what happens after my visit to the dentist. No, of course I can't be 100% certain that vaping is causing this, but it truly is the only thing which has changed for me (except for giving up analogs, but that was 4 months ago)and I've read several posts about the same thing happening to other vapers. What I would give anything to know is what component of my ecig or my cartridges is the culprit - so I could change that one thing and not have to give up on vaping.

 

[sara1106]

Techtony, that's good to know, actually. I hadn't heard that happening to former smokers (not heavy bleeding, anyway) and it does give me more hope than I had before I started this thread!

 

[sara1106]

Hippiebrian, no, dental issues certainly do not run in my family, on either side. My dad still has all of his natural teeth in great condition (he's 63) despite smoking for 25 years before he quit cold turkey about 15 years ago, and my mom's and sister's teeth are perfect, as well. Mine were in very good shape also - until two weeks ago. I will keep looking for answers and a solution, believe me.

 

[Pip-Boy]

Obviously, going to a medical professional is the correct decision. Though I firmly believe that switching from smoking to vaping has been beneficial for me and most others, It would be naive to think of this as a panacea for everyone, or that there are no adverse consequences. Vaping is still a new and relatively un-researched phenomenon. Be sure to give your dentist a full history of your process from quitting and your use of PVs. I would also suggest, bringing him/her some printed information on vaping and the ingredients used. Beyond your dentist, an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) may also be able to provide another perspective, since the sinuses and throat are impacted by vaping and related to things happening mouth. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[vapi]

I've had some bleeding gum issues too but only if I skip flossing for a couple days. I was using menthol carotamizers also but I've cut those prefilled ones out within the past couple weeks.

 

[Adrena]

Might be something in that "mall kiosk cart" I really suggest trying a vendors juice. One with ingredient posted PG, VG, nic and distilled water. Then if it still happens get a mix with no PG. Some ppl have allergic reactions to PG. Refilling a cart with what you know it better then anything from the mall, cheaper too.

I love my teeth I'm proud to have gone 20 years smoking without yellow teeth. No bleaching either, I just brush them 3 time a day. I would cry if I thought for 1 sec Vaping has harmed my teeth.
Please do keep us up to date....

 

[Rosa]

I think the bleeding that people report when they quit smoking is the pink toothbrush variety. Heavy bleeding from the gums is definitely abnormal and should be addressed with your dentist.

I also think you should look into switching to VG based e-liquids and see if that solves the problem.

 

[Rosa]

Here's a similar thread re: bleeding gums and mall brand e-cigs:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...urces-cautionary-tale.html?highlight=bleeding

 

[SnowDragon]

This issue has been noted in the health section although I'm not sure if there was anything conclusive about it. I suffered from the same thing 8 months ago when I started, didn't see the dentist and took a different approach by brushing more. I started brushing my teeth 4-5 times a day and when I increased within a 2 weeks period all the bleeding stopped. Perhaps it's a blood flow issue or perhaps it the fact PG is a sugar alcohol which causes dry mouth and perhaps the glycerin in juice exposes existing deep pockets in the gum line. I went on the premise of the latter of these theories and increased brushing did the trick.

In any case I hope it all works out for you.

 

[DaveP]

Dry mouth is the enemy of healthy teeth. Keep a glass of water or other liquid handy and take a sip now and then. Dry gums begin to recede!

 

[dormouse]

What kind of juice are you using? How much PG and how much VG, or if you don't know then what brand is it? It could be Chinese 100% PG and nicotine in 100% PG makes my tongue sore and numb. You could try some juices that you know have at least 30% VG in the base (i.e. 70pg/30vg)

 

[LuckyCat]

My gums have been bleeding, as well. At first, it wasn't too alarming, but yesterday was pretty gross. I'll try to look for the source but I've read that it has to do with the blood vessels in your mouth expanding and blood flow increasing.