Two undeniably popular trends that teens and adults love in America are vaping and hanging out in cafes. While the two habits have little to do with each other, they are similar in the way that they both can take a toll on your oral health. Explore the ways that these two rapidly rising trends can affect your smile.
How Vaping Affects Your Smile
Vaping has been branded as the safe alternative to cigarettes, and many people are buying and using the products, called vaporizers. Vaping works by passing a liquid over a hot coil to release vapors that give the user a dose of nicotine. While vaping lacks the hundreds of toxins found in cigarette smoke, research shows that it does pose a risk for your oral health.
Causes Receding Gums Which Boosts Risk of Gum Disease
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it decreases the amount of blood that can travel through the veins. One effect of this is that nicotine causes your gums to recede and pull away from your teeth. This extra pocket in your gums is a vulnerable area where plaque and bacteria can gather, increasing your chances of infection and gum disease.
Inhaling Hot Vapors Causes Dry Mouth
The saliva in our mouths serves a purpose – it washes debris from our teeth and plays a role in keeping the mouth fresh and clean. By nature, the nicotine that comes out of a vaporizer is hot and this heat dries up your saliva and contributes to dry mouth. Dry mouth is bad for your oral health because it leaves your mouth defenseless against plaque and bacteria.
How Visiting Cafes Can Impact Your Smile
Did you know that 56% of Americans drink coffee each day and 30 million people order specialty coffee beverages like lattes and mochas?
Whether you’re dropping by for your favorite coffee beverage and pastry on your way to work or you’re surfing the net while enjoying a cup of coffee, many Americans love to visit their local cafe. With a wide variety of drinks both hot and cold as well as pastries such as scones and danishes, cafes typically have something for every type of customer. Check out the ways that spending time at your favorite cafe might be impacting your teeth.
Specialty Coffee Drinks and Pastries are Full of Sugar
Of all the people who regularly visit cafes, only a small percentage are sticking to black coffee. The others are trying specialty coffees that often sound like deserts. Beverages like Caramel Macchiatos and White Chocolate Mochas are accepted as coffee drinks, but have a sugar content that more closely resembles a slice of cake. If you’re at a cafe and you’re ordering anything besides basic tea or black coffee, you’re bathing your teeth in sugar with each bite or sip.
Black Coffee Causes Staining
Black coffee is enjoyed by millions of Americans, but it’s also one of the biggest culprits behind darkened teeth. Along with wine, coffee can cause seemingly permanent stains on your teeth, especially among those who drink it regularly. While this staining isn’t damaging to your health, it can take a severe toll on the appearance of your smile. Luckily, Dr. Kosinski offers professional teeth whitening services for those who need them.
Your Habits Determine the Health of Your Smile
It’s interesting to think how our daily habits contribute to the health and appearance of our smile. People who indulge in vaping, hanging out at cafes and other pastimes may be damaging their teeth without even knowing it. While avoiding your favorite activities is unreasonable, understanding the ways they affect your smile is the first crucial step to minimizing the damage. When you’re ready for your next appointment, contact Dr. Kosinski for top quality oral care.