Nicotine Stomatitis: A Typical Oral Sign Noted by a Foreign Dentist After Vaping Use

A creator on TikTok named "Dentist Explains" pointed out that e-cigarettes may cause a pale upper palate in the mouth. He also revealed that small red spots can appear in the mouth as a symptom.

According to a report by the organization "Action on Smoking and Health," approximately 4.7 million residents in the UK regularly use e-cigarettes.

Recently, reports about the harms of e-cigarettes have been frequent. It has been revealed that hospital admissions related to children's use of e-cigarettes have quadrupled within a year.

On average, Generation Z spends about £225 a month on e-cigarettes, while the UK government has recently announced actions to combat this epidemic.

In addition to posing health risks, e-cigarettes may also affect the appearance of teeth. Dentists have revealed that e-cigarette users often exhibit some typical oral signs.

Therefore, if you tell your dentist that you do not smoke, a quick check-up will reveal your lie.

"Dentist Explains" mentioned that dentists can determine whether a patient uses e-cigarettes by observing the pale upper palate and the presence of red spots.

According to Derm Net, what he pointed out is an inflammation known as nicotine stomatitis.

This symptom is also referred to as "smoker's palate," which is a reaction caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat on the upper palate.

The website claims that the only way to treat nicotine stomatitis is to quit smoking completely. You should start to see results one to two weeks after quitting.

According to Dr. Kurt Ashack, a dermatology resident at the University of Illinois at Chicago, e-cigarettes can also affect the mouth in more ways.

In a report from 2020, he wrote: "E-cigarettes can reduce the immune response in the mouth, which may lead to excessive growth of bacteria and yeast."

Dr. Ashack stated that smokers may also experience a condition known as oral lichenoid reaction.

This symptom appears as lacy white patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks.

He also found that e-cigarette users may develop oral candidiasis, which is caused by excessive growth of Candida yeast in the mouth.

People who use e-cigarettes may also suffer from dry mouth and may find that their gums are receding.

"Dentist Explains" also added that dentists can determine whether you are using e-cigarettes by the discoloration of your teeth and the degree of swelling of the receding gums.