Can I vape after teeth cleaning

There are many reasons why your teeth can become stained over time due to a variety of factors, including drinking tea, coffee, and red wine or through smoking.

If you are one of the 9 million people who regularly vape in the US, you may have some questions about vaping and how that affects you when enjoying a teeth whitening experience.

Let’s start by taking a look at the quick answer as to when you may begin vaping after having your teeth whitened.

Is it possible to vape after having your teeth whitened?

Your teeth become more porous after teeth whitening, so it’s recommended that you do not eat or drink any colored foods, and to limit your intake to simply water and plain foods for the first 24 hours after your procedure, this includes vaping. Always check with your dental hygienist or dentist to confirm.

Many people who have taken the plunge to stop smoking, or are vaping as a substitute are looking to enjoy the benefits of whiter teeth by having them whitened.

Tooth whitening is a safe way to remove the buildup of staining on your teeth, which has the result of making your smile look fresher and younger. Whitening is a simple method of lightening the color of your teeth. This helps to give you a natural, bright and lighter shade to your teeth.

If you regularly vape, you may have many questions relating to this activity, such as, what are some of the effects of vaping on your teeth, does vaping stain your teeth? And other related questions. Let’s start with looking at some of the effects of vaping on your teeth.

“Tooth whitening is a safe way to remove build up of staining on your teeth, to make
your smile look fresher and younger.”

What are the effects of vaping on your teeth?

According to healthline.com, vaping is still a fairly new practice within the US and also globally. The research is still fairly limited, so it is difficult to know for sure exactly what damage – if any – vaping has on your teeth.

It can also be fairly difficult to know exactly what ingredients are in your vaping fluid. Many companies do not submit their list of ingredients to the U.S Food and Drug Administration or have them disobeyed on their packaging or websites.

According to Healthline experts, the only e-liquid ingredients known to have negative effects on oral health are:

  • Nicotine
  • Propylene glycol
  • Menthol

While research and debates continue about the overall health benefits and risks of vaping, with no clear verdict, potential oral health issues are clear thanks to well-known components of e-liquids. So as debates are set to continue over any health benefits or risks of vaping, make sure you check the ingredients in your liquids and make sure you practice good dental habits. Brush and floss daily and remember to drink plenty of fluids including water and keep hydrated.

Now that we’ve seen how it can be fairly difficult to completely ascertain the exact effects of vaping, let’s take a look below at a question I am asked quite a lot as a dental hygienist. So let’s see if vaping can actually stain your teeth.

Does vaping stain your teeth?

According to some major research undertaken by British and American Tobacco, as the vapor in e-cigarettes is mainly steam, and the with the flavorings contained within that steam, vaping does not generally stain your teeth unless you choose to vape with a liquid that contains tar or colorings in it.

It is more generally the tar and ash relating to traditional cigarettes that stain your teeth. Both of which are not generally present in vaping liquid.

I would recommend avoiding any vaping liquids that are brightly colored or contain tar substances, e-cigarettes and vapes should not be stained.

However. unfortunately, the news is not all great. Even though the main staining ingredient of tar is generally not contained in vaping liquid products, the nicotine contained in some liquids can still give your teeth a yellow tinge. This is because although nicotine is pretty much colorless, it becomes yellowish in color when it is combined with oxygen molecules.

When I’ve stopped smoking do I need to have my teeth whitened if I start vaping?

According to a recent survey undertaken by Harvard. Nearly 500,000 people die of tobacco-related diseases each year in the US. This is set to grow to a staggering eight million people globally each year due to the health risks connected with smoking.

There are so many reasons to quit smoking. For some people, giving your teeth the care and attention they require, not to mention the cosmetic benefits of having much whiter and brighter teeth can be a key driver to take the plunge to quit cigarette smoking as they look to the value of vaping as a substitute.

Important research has recently found that choosing to vape rather than continuing to smoke traditional cigarettes, show improvements in oral health such as gum bleeding and levels of plaque.

When you have taken the plunge to quit smoking it is, of course, personal preference as to whether you decide to have a cosmetic teeth enhancement, such as teeth whitening if you choose to vape. However, it can be a great start to your new non-cigarette smoking life, giving you more confidence that you have a brighter, cleaner and fresher smile.

Another question you might have when you are wondering whether you should vape after having your teeth whitened, and one which I’m asked about a lot, which is – exactly what is the procedure for teeth whitening? Let’s take a look below.

What happens when you have your teeth whitened?

The Hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to create the whitening treatment. Usually, if you decide to whiten your teeth at home, the dosage is quite low – to offer a gradual whitening result. Professional treatments are often much stronger in intensity for a more instant and dramatic look.

If you decide to have your teeth professionally whitened at home with the tray method, a mold is made of your teeth. Then your dental professional will make a tray will be made for you to use at home, which will be customized. A whitening gel is then added to the tray, and you will require to wear the gel for a few hours each day or maybe overnight. Daily sessions over the course of six weeks will achieve the best long lasting results.

If having a professional whitening treatment done in the office, they will protect your gums with a solution. Afterward, a highly concentrated peroxide gel is applied straight to your teeth and the active ingredients are heat or light treated.

Once your treatment is completed, whether you decide to have your teeth whitened at home or in surgery, remember to make sure you do not vape for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

And finally…

So we can see that after having your teeth whitened, it is best to make sure you stay away from vaping for at least 24 hours.

If you’re looking to keep your smile bright and clean way into the future while vaping, remember to make sure you clean your teeth twice a day, avoid staining liquids such as teeth, tea, coffee and red wine and anything containing artificial colorings, such as bright vaping liquids, juices and other over processed foods and drinks. Keep flossing, and make sure you visit your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for cleaning and a checkup.

Check out my TOP recommended dental hygiene products to achieve optimal oral health HERE.

Kelly Hancock, RDH

Kelly Hancock, RDH

Kelly is a registered dental hygienist and oral health care provider. She is passionate about oral hygiene and encourages people to achieve optimal oral health. She has been working in the dental profession for 16 years and worked in many different roles in the dental industry. Kelly is currently a pediatric dental hygienist specializing in children’s dentistry. She is committed to helping others with their oral health care issues and helping others achieve a smile they love.

This article and all advice on this website, Toothbrush Life, is intended to help people gain knowledge about general oral health topics. No articles or advice on this website are intended to replace professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or qualified healthcare provider to help you with any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

How long should you wait to vape after teeth cleaning?

Smoking: We suggest that all patients avoid smoking and tobacco products after their scaling and root planing. These products can prevent the site from healing properly, especially in the first 24 hours after your appointment.

Can I smoke my vape after a deep cleaning?

If you do smoke, you should avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after your deep cleaning procedure. However, because tobacco smoke dries out the mouth, allowing bacteria to thrive, you should be aware that smoking increases not only your chance of developing gum disease but of it returning even after a deep cleaning.

Can you smoke after dental deep cleaning?

Do not smoke following deep cleaning procedure for at least 48 hours. Tobacco smoke will prolong or discourage the healing process. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns.

Can dentist tell if I vape?

The answer is yes. While some people switch from smoking to vaping because they may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, studies show that it is just bad for your teeth and gums. Vaping has the same adverse effects on your oral health as smoking and your dentist WILL be able to tell.