During the transition from smoking cigarettes to vaping, people can experience mouth sores. It is because the mouth has to re-calibrate its acidity balance after the change.
Fortunately, canker sores are very manageable. You can use home remedies like hydrogen peroxide and cranberry juice to relieve discomfort.
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Symptoms
Does vaping cause canker sores? The emergence of canker sores is a common oral health issue among smokers and users of e-cigarettes. These white or yellow ulcers often develop on the gums, tongue, and inner surfaces of the lips and cheeks inside the mouth.
They may be painful and itch. They usually heal in 7 to 10 days but may take longer if the ulcer is large or the area is susceptible.
Several factors can trigger the development of these ulcers, including irritants, traumatic injuries, or the use of dipping snuff. To acquire a good diagnosis and rule out other factors like erythema multiforme (a type of skin cancer), drug allergies, or herpes infection, you should call your doctor when you notice a canker sore.
Canker sores and mouth ulcers that don’t heal in a few weeks or months should be examined by your dentist to check for possible precancerous lesions. Your doctor may order a biopsy or perform other tests to find out what is causing the ulcers.
The leading cause of these mouth ulcers and canker sores is nicotine. Since nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, it reduces the blood flow to your gums, which makes it harder for them to fight infections and bacteria.
Causes
Those who are accustomed to smoking cigarettes might find that they experience mouth ulcers when starting to use vaping devices. These can be very painful and usually clear up in a few days. However, canker sores that do not heal within two weeks should be seen by your dentist for possible cancer or precancerous lesions.
The liquids used in e-cigarettes contain varying nicotine levels, which can contribute to gum disease. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that restricts the blood flow to your gums, making them more vulnerable to infection and bacteria.
As a result, your gum tissue will not receive enough oxygen-rich blood to regenerate and heal itself. It can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can eventually cause tooth loss if left untreated.
It also can lead to stomatitis, an infection of the tissues around the mouth, such as the cheeks, lips, and tongue. It can also increase the chances of developing bruxism, a muscle disorder that causes you to grind your teeth.
E-cigarettes also contain a chemical called propylene glycol, which can cause dry mouth. A dry mouth can lead to gum disease, plaque buildup, and bad breath. To help prevent this, drink plenty of water and brush your teeth at least twice daily.
Treatment
When you vape, you inhale a mist that irritates your mouth. This irritation can cause sores in your mouth, tongue, throat, and gums.
But while canker sores are a common condition, it’s not something you should take lightly. They are often signs of an underlying health issue and must be evaluated by your dentist or doctor.
Canker sores are also a risk factor for oral cancer. They can look like red or white patches and are typically found on the lips, mouth, and throat.
There are several ways to treat canker sores, including topical pain medications. Some people also use oral rinses containing benzocaine or lidocaine to soothe and heal the sores.
Some other natural treatment options include taking a zinc lozenge regularly to help your immune system fight off bacteria that can cause canker sores. You can find zinc lozenges at most drug stores.
Another way to prevent canker sores is to get enough vitamin B-12, which can boost your immune system. You can also try eating more yogurt containing probiotics that help keep your immune system strong.
You can also try chamomile, which is excellent for soothing sores and treating wounds. This herb contains two compounds, azulene, and levomenol, known for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s crucial to discuss the risks of nicotine and tobacco with children if you want to stop them from starting to vape. It is especially true with the recent announcement that teen vaping is reaching epidemic levels.
The most effective prevention strategy is to prevent adolescents from ever using tobacco or e-cigarettes. That requires a combination of education, intervention, and prevention efforts that are as targeted and effective as possible at the individual level.
One way to do this is through a comprehensive approach that includes social media, community-based interventions, and school programs. It is not only helpful in reducing the number of adolescents who begin vaping but also in ensuring that their habits remain consistent and low-risk.
Another effective prevention option is to avoid consuming foods that may trigger oral sores. These include spicy, greasy, salty, or acidic foods.
Drying out ulcers and hastening their healing can be accomplished by rinsing your mouth with salt water. It also helps fight infections and decrease pain and inflammation in your mouth.
A food journal can help identify which foods and beverages trigger canker sores. It’s also a good idea to eliminate all potential food allergens from your diet.
If a sore does develop, you should use an anti-inflammatory mouthwash with sage and chamomile to ease symptoms. Infuse equal parts of these two herbs in water and swish them around your mouth 4-6 times daily.