Vapes, or e-cigarettes, offer an alternative to traditional cigarettes that are more discreet and less antisocial.

The popularity of vapes is rising every year, attracting former smokers to an alternative way of consuming nicotine. However, there are health risks associated with vaping, including potential hazards to youroral health.

Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are painful ulcers that can appear on the tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips. Here, we look at the link between vaping and canker sores and how to prevent them. 

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are a common medical condition affecting themouth's mucous membranes. According to amedical overview, "some experts estimate that about 1 out of every 10 people are affected," and they are "more common in women than in men." 

These small sores in the mouth can cause pain, irritation, and difficulty eating or talking. While the exact causes are not known, stress, nutritional deficiencies like B12, iron, and folate, hormonal changes, allergies and food sensitivities, and oral trauma from dental work or biting the inside of your cheek are all thought to be causes. 

Overview of Vaping and Its Effects on the Mouth

Vapes contain e-liquid that is burnt to a high enough temperature by the heating element to release vapor. The most common ingredients in e-liquid are:

• PG (Propylene Glycol)

• VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

• Nicotine (optional)

• Flavor concentrates

The ingredients in e-liquid can hurt the mouth, causing symptoms like dry mouth, irritation or inflammation, and changes to the oral microbiome.

Vaping contains less harmful toxins and carcinogens than combustible cigarettes and, therefore, may not damage oral health as severely. However, there are still risks associated with vaping and oral health.

According to a 2024 study, “oral symptoms related to e-cigarette use include dry mouth, irritation, pain, oral ulcers, nicotine-related conditions, and accidents resulting from device malfunctions.

ENDS exposure has been linked to oral health issues like dysbiosis, inflammation, periodontal disease, and alterations in the oral microbiome.”

Potential Links Between Vaping and Canker Sores

Canker sores remain a mystery in the mouth as to the exact cause. However, there are several factors linked to their cause that range from immune system issues and stress to specific food allergies, medications, and vaping. 

According to a2024 case series into the association between vaping and canker sores, "RAUs may be another potential side effect of vaping.

Although the precise cause of these ulcers is not fully understood, this study's findings indicate a possible connection between e-cigarette use and the development of recurring oral ulcers." 

The study also highlighted the need for further research: "This underscores the need for additional research to fully explore the range of health impacts linked to vaping, particularly regarding oral health.

Expanding our understanding in this area will enable us to offer more informed guidance and recommendations to e-cigarette users, helping to reduce potential health risks." 

Dry mouth is one of the side effects of vaping. Unfortunately, this can exacerbate canker sores as it reduces saliva's protective effects in the mouth.

The heat in vapes and the ingredients in e-liquid can also cause oral tissue irritation in the mouth.

According to a 2024 study, "e-cigarette usage may cause the development of oral diseases, however, further longitudinal studies of a larger and homogenous group of e-cigarette users are required."

 Both of these studies conclude that more research is needed on vaping and oral health. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that vaping, especially excessively, has caused canker sores and other oral health issues. Additionally, dental professionals have drawn attention to the potential oral problems caused by vaping. 

Expert Opinions and Research

While it may seem like vapes have been around forever, they’re still relatively new. For many, picking up a vape is an exciting chance to ditch combustible cigarettes for something less antisocial, but there is still a lot we don’t know about them.

The relationship between vapes and oral health is one such field that requires more research to better understand the long-term effects. However, dental and medical research that is available suggests a link between vaping, canker sores, and overall oral health. 

According to theJournal of the Canadian Dental Association, “In a study based on reports by e‑cigarette users for the last 30 days and with reported 30-day e‑cigarette use, it was shown that those who spent more on e‑cigarettes were more likely to report chest pain (9.9%), to notice blood when brushing their teeth (17.1%), to have sores or ulcers in their mouth (8.3%), and to have more than one cold (6.8%), than those with no spending on e‑cigarettes.” 

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reports that vaping can cause “oral lesions such as nicotine stomatitis (“smoker’s palate”), hairy tongue (discoloration of the tongue), and angular cheilitis (sores in the corners of the mouth) are commonly seen in the mouths of e-cigarette users.”

Preventing Canker Sores If You Vape

If you vape, there are ways to lower the chances of getting canker sores. 

• Stay hydrated.

• Maintain good oral hygiene.

• Use milder vape juices or reduce nicotine.

• Rinse with salt water or use protective mouth rinses.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you notice sores are growing, spreading, not going away, coming back immediately, or causing a lot of pain in other areas like the lymph nodes. 

Conclusion

While the exact cause of canker sores is still unknown, there is both anecdotal evidence and medical studies that suggest vaping could be a cause.

However, there is a need for more scientific studies to see what causes canker sores and if vaping is a factor. If you’re worried about your canker sores, visit your medical practitioner.