Dental Experts Warn of ‘Vape Tongue’

A recent article published on the Daily Record website has brought attention to a concerning health issue affecting e-cigarette users. Dental professionals are sounding the alarm about a condition known as ‘vape tongue’, which is becoming increasingly prevalent among vapers.

Understanding ‘Vape Tongue’

According to the Daily Record report, ‘vape tongue’ is a condition that can have significant impacts on an individual’s sensory experiences. Anna Peterson, a London-based dental hygienist and therapist, explained in a TikTok video that the symptoms of this condition include:

• Numbness of the tongue
• Inability to taste vape flavours
• Experiencing an unpleasant taste from vaping
• General impact on taste buds, affecting the ability to properly taste food

Moreover, Peterson warned that the condition could extend beyond taste, potentially leading to “a stuffy nose and impact the sense of smell.”

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The Root Cause

The article cites Peterson’s explanation of the underlying cause of ‘vape tongue’:

“If there’s nicotine in your vape, then it’s actually causing your mouth to dry out. This can completely remove your sense of taste.”

This drying effect of nicotine appears to be the primary culprit behind the sensory disruptions experienced by vapers.

Additional Symptoms and Recovery

The Daily Record report also mentions another symptom associated with ‘vape tongue’: a white powdery residue on the tongue, which can “impact and slow down the regeneration of taste buds.”

However, Peterson offered some hope for those affected, stating: “If you start to cut down on vaping, or stop completely, your taste may come back”.

Broader Concerns About Vaping

The article goes on to discuss wider issues surrounding vaping, particularly its impact on younger populations. Dr. Mike McKean, Vice President of policy at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, expressed concern about the marketing strategies employed by vape companies that target younger audiences.

According to Dr. McKean, “Nearly one fifth of teenagers have tried vaping, which he described as worrying.” He emphasized the potential risks associated with vaping, stating:

“At the end of the day, vaping is not risk free and very often addictive.”

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Potential Legislative Actions

The Daily Record report mentions ongoing discussions about potential legislation to address these concerns. Experts have suggested that passing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the UK could pave the way for laws aimed at deterring children and younger people from vaping. These measures could include restrictions on e-cigarette flavours, packaging, and display.

Dr. McKean stressed the urgency of such legislation, stating:

“I’m concerned that we have allowed e-cigarette companies free reign to target our children with these brightly coloured, flavoured, appealing and potentially damaging products. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is now a matter of urgency for the health of our children and young people.”

While the article acknowledges the role of vaping in smoking cessation efforts, it concludes by reiterating the NHS stance that vaping is not risk-free and should not be taken up by non-smokers or young people under 18.

This comprehensive report from the Daily Record highlights the growing concern among dental professionals about ‘vape tongue’ and the broader implications of widespread vaping, particularly among younger populations.