By the Ontario Dental Association – Special to the Sydenham Current
Whether you use sticks, pens, mini tanks or any other kind of vapourizer, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) wants you to know now is the time to kick your vaping habit for good.
Oral Health Month is underway and along with our usual reminder to brush twice a day, floss daily and keep regular appointments with your dentist, the ODA is warning you to be on guard with every breath of flavoured smoke you take.
There was a time when vaping was thought to be a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, but more and more studies are now suggesting that’s just not the case. While more long-term research is needed, particularly on how e-cigarettes affect dental health, the early results are not good.
Current data suggests vaping devices create a variety of chemicals and metal particles that are inhaled by users. These toxic levels may be lower than what is in tobacco smoke but some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer.
Dr. LouAnn Visconti, ODA President, says, “Increasing scientific research is showing us just how damaging vaping can be. Now is the time to take better care of your health and kick the stick, especially for young people, since vaping can open the door to other harmful behaviours like smoking cigarettes.”
If you’ve been vaping to avoid cigarettes, there are healthier ways to quit both habits. Talk to your dentist to find out more.
About the Ontario Dental Association
The ODA has been the voluntary professional association for dentists in Ontario since 1867. Today, we represent more than 9,000, or nine in 10, dentists across the province. The ODA is Ontario’s primary source of information on oral health and the dental profession. We advocate for accessible and sustainable optimal oral health for all Ontarians by working with health-care professionals, governments, the private sector and the public.
For helpful dental care tips, visit www.youroralhealth.ca.
