Vaping. A healthier alternative to smoking?

Posted on Posted in Advice

E- Cigarettes

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that vaporise nicotine when the user inhales. They contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and toxic, but do no not contain or burn tobacco. Whilst they may be seen as a healthier alternative to smoking, they should not be seen as a healthy habit to start!

E-cigarettes have only been on the market since 2003, but with a recent boom in sales there are now over 1 million regular users. As this is a new innovation long term effects are unknown, however current evidence indicates they are significantly less harmful than tobacco products.

 

Research

There is lots of controversial information available on the internet and it’s difficult to know who to side with. Are they a good choice or just a better alternative?

Personally I would suggest we stick with the facts.

  • It is still a chemical addiction
  • Long-term effects are unknown
  • The vapour produced contains nicotine. Effects of long-term nicotine use are proven to cause harm. Nicotine affects the nervous system and heart and can be harmful to brain and foetal development.
  • Current public use, and advertising, may appear to be glamorising an addictive drug- appealing to younger generations.
  • E-cigarettes/ vapour products are not currently regulated. Laws are not yet in place to protect children. Regulations are being developed to prohibit use to people under the age of 18 and will come into effect from 2016.

As with any drug, there are always possible side effects

  • Bleeding gums- Think of this a s a healthy response! Gums bleed when plaque is present, but in smokers, the blood flow is reduced which can cause gum disease to progress faster. For information on bleeding gums click here or make an appointment with one of our hygienists at our Burton based practice who can work with you to reduce this.
  • Headaches- These may be caused by inhaling too much nicotine or too frequently, or associated with stress.
  • Sore/ dry throat or nose- This problem can be related to the Propylene Glycol which can absorb moisture and cause dryness/ soreness.
  • Muscle aches
  • Spots or acne
  • Coughing up tar- Again, not such a bad thing! Your body is fighting back!
  • Bad breath

Benefits of swapping to E-cigarettes

  • Available evidence suggests the vapour is significantly less harmful than smoked tobacco
  • There is no smoke and very little odour unlike cigarettes
  • They can be used indoors in many places
  • Costs compared to smoking show a reduction of up to 80%

 

User’s comments:

“Felt healthier within a few days”

“Yes I used them, stopped me from smoking but then I felt I couldn’t do without them”

“To be fair I used it more than I would having a fag… it’s still a habit that is hard to break away from”

“I’ve been quit nearly 10 years and due to anxiety and panic attacks, I came so close to picking a fag up but after discussions we decided to go on a vapor pen.”

“I tried to use a vape and personally could get on with it. Found myself ‘puffing’ on it almost constantly but not getting the ‘hit’ i needed. So alas reverted back to the cigs”

 

E-cigarettes as cessation aids

No E-cigarettes are licenced as medicinal products, therefor we cannot recommend them as a form of NRT (nicotine replacement therapy).

When users purchase there liquid nicotine solution, they choose the percentage strength of nicotine. Many use this as a way of decreasing the amount of nicotine over time, with a view to eventually quit the habit.

 

Our policy at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on the use of E-cigarettes on our premises

Whilst most of the vapour that is exhaled is water, not all of it is. Second-hand vapour contains chemicals such a nicotine, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acxrolein at some level.

Due to this we have decided it unfair to allow in our practice. Although it may be less harmful than smoking, it is still an addiction containing chemicals that may affect the user and bystanders.

Our aim as a practice is to promote a healthier lifestyle and project a clean healthy image to our patients and their children.