HEALTH PROMOTIONS
Nov 2024

Vaping and Oral Health:
Unveiling the Hidden Risks
The choices we make today shape our health tomorrow.

Take Control Now

What is Vaping?
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, heat up a liquid
containing nicotine, which is then inhaled in
addition with other harmful chemicals. (1)
Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, a
hormone that promotes the feeling of pleasure. As
vaping continues, more nicotine is needed to release
dopamine. (3)

Overall Health
E-cigarettes contain chemicals, volatile
organic compounds (which are also found in
car exhaust), and heavy metals that can be
detrimental to the lungs. (1)
Vaping can increase risk to start traditional
cigarette smoking & associated health
conditions. (4)
Regular nicotine exposure can impair
memorization and concentration, negatively
impacting brain development in young
adults. (4)

Oral Conditions
Symptoms associated with e-cigarettes
can include: (5)
Dry mouth
Burning or pain sensation
Oral ulcers or cancer
Gum inflammation or disease
Hairy tongue
Lip dermatitis
Cavities
Plaque

Prepared by VCC Dental Hygiene Students

Responsibilities
Consider / Motivate users to go vapefree or reduce the use of e-cigarettes
Educate family and friends on the
health risks of e-cigarettes
Provide a safe space for users to share
personal experiences and cessation
journey/strategies
Advocate for policies that restrict the
sale of e-cigarettes to minors

Early Detection
Visit https://checkyourmouth.org/wp/
to perform monthly self-screening at
home for oral cancer
Schedule routine health and dental
check-ups to monitor for health
changes

Ready to Quit?
Ask your dental hygienist for cessation
resources
Visit https://quitnow.ca to learn more
Join BC PharmaCare’s Smoking
Cessation program for coverage
assistance

An Nguyen | Kathleen Huynh | Khadija Mushtaq | Leslie Wu

HEALTH PROMOTIONS
Nov 2024

References:
1. What’s in an e-cigarette? | American Lung Association [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sep
29]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/whatsin-an-e-cigarette
2. Bahl V, Lin S, Xu N, et al. Tobacco-derived flavors in e-cigarettes: a novel health risk?
Tobacco Control. 2010;19(5):379-382. [cited 2024 Sep 29]. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2946180/.
3. Government of Northwest Territories. Health effects of tobacco: risks of vaping
[Internet]. [cited 2024 Sep 29]. Available from:
https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/health-effects-tobacco/risks-vaping
4. https://jcda.ca/k7
5. Cameron A, Yip H, Garg M. E-cigarettes and oral cancer: what do we know so far.
ScienceDirect. 2023;61(5):380-382. [cited 2024 Sep 29]. Available
from:Technology
Information
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjoms.2023.03.013

Prepared by VCC Dental Hygiene Students

An Nguyen | Kathleen Huynh | Khadija Mushtaq | Leslie Wu