Dentists warn vaping dries mouth and fuels tooth decay, with rising youth use

Dental researchers and clinicians say vaping is linked to dry mouth and a range of oral health problems, with signs appearing earlier among younger users. A high-profile anecdote cited by the Daily Mail notes that actress Lily James, at 36, recently needed her first filling, a consequence she attributed to flavoured vapes. Experts say her experience reflects a broader trend in which tooth decay, gum problems and enamel wear are increasingly seen in people who vape regularly.

About 5.5 million adult Britons vape, according to a 2025 YouGov survey for Action on Smoking and Health. The same survey found that roughly 7 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds vape, and one in five teens has tried vaping, with most having never smoked. Health professionals say these figures matter because younger users are exposed to a product originally designed to help smokers quit, and early dental problems are now being observed in clinics.

Smita Mehra, principal dentist at The Neem Tree clinics in London and Surrey, says vaping is becoming a common pattern among younger patients with multiple cavities, plaque buildup and early gum disease — problems that would have been rare in people under 30 a decade ago. She notes that these issues are tied to how vaping changes the mouth, not just what is in the vape. Mehra says vaping tastes can be deceptive in implying harmlessness, but one of the main problems is dry mouth.

Vape liquids contain propylene glycol, a humectant that pulls moisture from oral tissues, and glycerin, which can coat the mouth with a sticky film that traps plaque. Nicotine in vapes also reduces saliva flow, and warm vapor accelerates evaporation, further drying the mouth, Mehra explains. The result is less saliva, which normally rinses away bacteria and neutralizes acid. Without adequate saliva, food sticks to teeth, plaque builds up and decay can begin, particularly near the gumline or between teeth. Dryness also affects the gums, potentially causing inflammation and bleeding, while nicotine reduces gum blood flow, making conditions worse.

Dry mouth is a known risk factor for tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. Clinicians have observed tartar buildup and staining more frequently on the side of the mouth where a vape is held, a pattern increasingly seen in regular users. A US study published this year in JDR Clinical & Translational Research found that vapers were about 80 percent more likely to report dry mouth than nonusers, underscoring the link between vaping and salivary changes that raise disease risk.

Experts say the risk is not just about the liquids but usage patterns. Mehra notes that people who might have smoked five or ten cigarettes a day in the past can now vape constantly, at home and at work, creating a persistent state of dry mouth that drives decay and discomfort. In addition to saliva, the heat and chemicals in the vapor can wear away enamel on the front teeth, with the visible surfaces of the teeth most affected. James Goolnik, a London-based dentist and founder of Bow Lane Dental, adds that the front teeth bear the brunt of exposure because the tongue protects the back teeth, making the leading surfaces more vulnerable to heat, chemicals and drying vapour. Over time, this can lead to staining, decay and structural damage that affects both appearance and function.

Long-term changes in the mouth extend beyond enamel erosion. Researchers have found that long-term vapers often develop a distinct microbial community in their mouths that is associated with gum disease, plaque buildup and even bone loss. The American Society for Microbiology’s mSystems journal reported that sustained vaping correlates with oral bacteria linked to gingival inflammation and periodontal problems. While some experts acknowledge that vaping is likely less harmful than smoking for people who switch, clinicians caution that non-smokers, especially youths, should avoid starting.

The chemical composition of vape aerosol is also a concern. Vapour can contain toxic aldehydes and reactive carbonyls formed when liquids are heated, which can irritate oral tissues and may increase cancer risk over time. A 2024 study by University College London and the University of Innsbruck found pre-cancerous DNA changes in cheek cells of vapers, similar to those seen in smokers, highlighting potential long-term implications for oral cancer risk.

Flavourings add another layer of risk. Sweet and fruit flavours can mimic sugary tastes and may promote craving for sugary foods, which compounds decay risk by feeding bacteria that form sticky plaque. Some dentists say patients who vape then reach for fizzy drinks or candy, creating a loop of dryness, sugar intake and bacterial growth. A 2022 paper in Frontiers in Oral Health noted that certain vape flavours can alter saliva and sweetness perception, potentially nudging users toward sweeter foods. Across clinics, such patterns contribute to a growing consensus that vaping can create a cascade of oral health problems rather than sparing the mouth.

Richard Holliday, a senior lecturer in restorative dentistry at Newcastle University, says the evidence is still evolving but growing. He notes that frequent e-cigarette use, particularly among young people, may carry a higher risk of decay, and that vaping is not risk free for non-smokers and should be avoided by youths. He also points to a government research effort, the Adolescent Health Study, which is tracking about 100,000 young people to monitor vaping effects on oral, lung and mental health over time.

The bottom line for many patients is that enamel does not readily regrow, and once lost it leaves teeth susceptible to sensitivity, decay and cracking. In some cases, patients require crowns, root canals or gum surgery to restore function and comfort. As more studies unfold and younger patients arrive with dental issues not faced by prior generations, clinicians say it is time to rethink the notion that vapes are harmless, particularly for those who have never smoked and whose mouths may already be at risk for dental disease.