The Impact of Smoking and Vaping on Your Teeth and Gums

Smoking and vaping may seem like different habits, but both have serious consequences for your teeth and gums. With smoking, the risks have been well known for decades. More recently, vaping has emerged in a similar light; what looks like a safer habit can still harm your oral health. Understanding how each affects your mouth can help you make better decisions and protect your smile.

According to the Australian Government health site Better Health, “People who smoke or vape have a higher risk of gum problems, tooth loss, complications after tooth removal and surgery in the mouth, and developing mouth cancer” (Better Health). The key takeaway is this: whether you smoke cigarettes or use e-cigarettes, your gums and teeth are under threat.

Smoking damages gum tissue, restricts blood flow, and weakens the body’s ability to fight infections. That means gum disease can progress more quickly, healing after dental work is slower, and tooth loss becomes more likely. Vaping may not have been studied as long, but the early evidence is clear—it causes dry mouth, enamel erosion, and shifts in the bacterial environment beneath your gums. One study found that users of e-cigarettes developed gum tissue damage similar to smokers after just a short time of use.

What does this mean for you? If you smoke or vape, especially both, your dental cleanings and check-ups should not be treated as optional. Your dentist may suggest more frequent visits, deeper cleanings, and more aggressive prevention of gum disease. You may also benefit from extra tools such as antimicrobial rinses, high-fluoride toothpastes, and guidance on quitting or reducing your habit.

Your smile does not have to suffer just because of a habit you have. Early detection and consistent care can reduce the damage and preserve your healthy gums and teeth. Working together with your dental team, you can support the long-term health of your mouth.

Sources
Better Health, Effects of smoking and vaping on oral health
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-and-oral-health

American Dental Association, Vaping and Oral Health (Dental Sound Bites)
https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites/season-5/vaping-and-oral-health-s5e05