Doctor identified a new disease caused by vaping

Electronic cigarette smoking (vaping) has a complex negative impact on oral tissues, provoking the development of caries, Denis Moiseev, a candidate of medical sciences, told "Gazeta.Ru".

"Propylene glycol and glycerin in the aerosol create a film on teeth and mucous membranes, serving as a nutrient medium for pathogenic bacteria. This leads to a sharp increase in the number of bacteria that cause caries and periodontitis. In addition, nicotine (even in low concentrations) and the aerosol itself suppress the function of salivary glands. Saliva is a key protective factor: it washes away bacteria and food residues, neutralizes acids, and remineralizes enamel. Its deficiency is a direct path to caries, gum inflammation, and mucosal pathology," the doctor noted.

Also, according to the doctor, the chemical components of the aerosol (flavorings, nicotine, fine particles) cause chronic irritation of the mucous membrane. This manifests as redness, swelling, and a burning sensation.

"Enhanced growth of periodontopathogens against the background of reduced immune response (nicotine suppresses the function of immune cells) and chronic inflammation leads to bleeding gums, their swelling, and then to the destruction of the tooth's ligamentous apparatus and bone tissue. At the same time, nicotine causes vascular spasm, temporarily reducing gum bleeding. This creates a false impression of 'health' and delays a visit to the doctor until the disease progresses to a severe stage," the doctor explained.

The degree of irreversibility of consequences directly depends on the duration of vaping, intensity, individual characteristics of the organism, and the timeliness of smoking cessation. The earlier a person quits vaping, the higher the chance of minimizing irreversible damage.