In this article:

What vaping is and why it can be as harmful as smoking cigarettes
Vaping liquids contain cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals
While many people start vaping to try to quit smoking, devices typically contain addictive nicotine
Recommendations from affordable cosmetic dentistry South Jersey

Vaping Is Not Harmless! (Advice from the affordable-cosmetic-dentistry-south-jersey)

Many people take up vaping, thinking it’s safer than smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes or using smokeless tobacco. But vaping comes with health risks, too.

Check this article from the affordable-cosmetic-dentistry-south-jersey!

What Is Vaping?

Vaping is a way to “smoke” and take in addictive nicotine, without exposing yourself to tobacco. Vaping devices are also called electronic cigarettes, e-cigs or vape pens. They heat up a liquid, also known as e-liquid or e-juice. The heated e-juice forms a fine mist that users inhale and exhale.

E-cigarettes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some devices may be difficult to spot. Many of the smaller vape pens look like ordinary objects such as cigarettes or pipes. Juul is a popular brand that makes smaller e-cigs that look like USB drives. They are easy to carry or use without being noticed.

Theses products are particularly dangerous because they have a high level of nicotine. One pod can contain as much as a pack of regular cigarettes. It is extremely addictive and has a number of negative health effects.

Larger devices, called “tanks” or “mods,” allow the user to modify its parts and power. For example, different batteries, thanks and mouthpieces can be selected to increase the temperature and amount of vapor inhaled. Using high heat settings can increase the amount of cancer-causing chemicals in the vapor.

Vaping among Children Is a Public Health Threat

Vaping continues to cause oral and health related concerns. In 2018, vaping was declared a public health epidemic by the US Surgeon General. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to ban products marketed for your people. But even after these steps, the numbers are troubling.

Vaping is especially common among children from junior high to high school. In a 2021 study, about 1 out of every 35 middle school students (2.8%) said that they had used e-cigarettes in the 30 days before completing the study questionnaire. In that same study, 1 of every 9 high school students (11.3%) reported having used an e-cigarette in the previous 30 days.

Nine percent of adults say they vape.

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What Am I Inhaling?

The mist you are inhaling while vaping contains various harmful chemicals and particles:

Chemicals that are known to cause cancer
Chemicals that can lead to serious lung disease, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead
Very small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, then can become trapped and cause breathing problems
Flavorings that can increase the risk of cavities
Possibly other substances unknown to the user, such as marijuana

Vaping devices also typically contain nicotine. Studies show that many products marketed as “nicotine free” or “no nicotine” may still contain this highly addictive chemical. Nicotine can cause the user to become quickly hooked on vaping.

In addition, nicotine carries its own dangerous health effects, including:

Damage to adolescent and young adult brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
Increased risk to pregnant women and their developing babies
Memory loss with long-term use
Narrowing or hardening of the arteries which may lead to stroke or heart disease

Vaping Liquids

The liquid that is used in disposable vape pens can come in a variety of flavors, including fruity or candy flavors that are very popular among teenagers. Theses flavors come from chemicals that, according to the FDA, can harm your lungs when inhaled.

In addition to flavors, vaping liquids can also contain marijuana. From 2017 to 2019 the number of teens who vape marijuana doubled.

Can Vaping Help Me Quit Smoking?

Some people start vaping with the hope that it will help them quit smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, there is not enough research to show that this is the case. One study found that people who smoke cigarette and try vaping as a means to quit can wind up using both. Healthcare providers and government agencies recommend several proven ways to help you stop smoking. They include nicotine replacement therapy-such as nicotine gum, patches or lozenges-in addition to behavioral therapy.

Quitting Tobacco (Advice from affordable cosmetic dentistry South Jersey)

If you want to quit using any form of tobacco, including smokeless, cigarettes or vaping, talk to your dentist or physician. You can also call the national hotline at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for free resources and support. In addition, there are online courses and smartphone apps you can download to help you quit smoking cigarettes or vaping. If you want to consult with affordable cosmetic dentistry South Jersey, Rapha Dental is here for you. Call us today at 856-829-8668 or contact us.

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