Did you know that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States? While some forms of tobacco might be marketed as less harmful than others, the truth is that there is no safe tobacco product. Every type, including e-cigarettes, poses risks to your dental and overall health.

E-cigarettes (or vape pens) are used by about 8% of people in the U.S. and have been the most popular tobacco product among American youth for the past decade. Results from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey show that nearly 6% of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes, and more than one in four youth e-cigarette users report vaping daily. These statistics are concerning because e-cigarettes contain harmful substances like nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals that threaten users’ health. Youth who vape may also be more likely to smoke cigarettes later on.

There’s no ‘better for you’ cigarette on the market. Whether you vape or smoke, you still risk becoming addicted to nicotine, which can seriously harm your oral and overall health over time,” says American Dental Association (ADA) dentist, Mirissa Price, D.M.D.

Here’s what you need to know about vaping and why you should avoid using e-cigarettes.

  • Vaping involves inhaling the aerosol (or vapor mist) produced by an e-cigarette. This aerosol forms when the e-cigarette’s battery heats the liquid (or e-juice) inside its specialized cartridge. This liquid often contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled.
  • Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco. It’s known to affect brain development related to memory, attention, and emotional regulation in children, teens, and young adults. Swallowing nicotine can cause illness — and in severe cases, coma or death. The average nicotine strength in e-cigarettes has increased as vaping has become more popular, and research shows it’s now twice the amount inhaled from a pack of cigarettes. Even cartridges claiming to be nicotine-free have been found to contain some nicotine.
  • Other harmful substances found in vape cartridges include chemicals known to cause cancer, heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead, and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. “The flavorings in e-juice are designed to attract youth and young adults, and they may also contain sugar, which contributes to tooth decay,” says Dr. Price. “Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, and increases the risk for infections, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.
  • Vape pen batteries can heat the liquid to 400 degrees F very quickly. News reports have covered cases of people getting hurt when e-cigarettes explode or cause fires inside their mouths. Using a high heat setting can turn the aerosol more yellow, which might lead to tooth discoloration, and also make it stickier, so it stays on your teeth longer.

A study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) found a connection between people who vape and those with untreated cavities. However, more research is needed to determine if vaping causes cavities.

If you already vape, quitting today can boost your health. Visit MouthHealthy.org/vaping for more information and helpful resources. “Ask your dentist for suggestions and support, too,” says Dr. Price. “Your dentist, who cares about your health, is there to offer guidance and motivation to help you stop using e-cigarettes.”