DALLAS – Vaping is illegal in Dallas’ public and enclosed places, effective Dec. 11, thanks to a city ordinance that expands the city’s no-smoking zones to include the use of all electronic smoking devices. Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned where smoking is already prohibited, such as in all indoor and enclosed spaces and within 15 feet of building entrances and on park property.
The ordinance, proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission and the city’s Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, was passed last year amid growing concerns about the health dangers of all forms of nicotine consumption.
Dentists and dental hygienists at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas share in those concerns and routinely see the effects of vaping and e-cigarettes on patients’ teeth. The battery-powered devices are promoted as healthier than traditional cigarettes and chewing tobacco, but users still inhale nicotine and other chemicals. And vapors hit teeth and gums.
“As a dental public health specialist and certified tobacco cessation counselor, I can tell you vaping is far from harmless,” said Dr. Hoda Abdellatif, clinical associate professor in public health services and director of the department’s Community Outreach Office. “Beyond addiction, it creates a perfect storm for oral disease. And the aerosol cloud doesn’t just affect the user; it exposes people nearby to harmful chemicals, making this a community health concern.”
Dangers don’t end there. Propylene glycol is commonly used in vape e-liquids and can cause dry mouth. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes acids produced by mouth bacteria. A dry mouth, or reduction in saliva, increases the chances of cavities and gum disease, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
Vaping also causes mouth sores. Heat, chemicals and flavoring agents irritate oral tissues, leading to ulcers that can be painful and slow to heal, Abdellatif said. Chronic irritation may increase the risks of oral infections and precancerous changes.
“E-cigarette aerosols contain more than 60 known carcinogenic substances that can contribute to throat irritation,” said Jane Cotter, associate professor in A&M Dentistry’s dental hygiene program. “These chemicals also have a drying effect on oral tissues, creating an environment that allows harmful bacteria to accumulate more readily.”
Dental professionals would prefer you quit vaping and puffing on e-cigarettes, but here’s some advice to lessen the damage to your oral health:
“Your dental health care provider can help you quit your vape habits,” Cotter said. “We are committed to supporting you to reduce your risk for disease and stay healthy.”