Your mouth is one of the first areas of the body affected by tobacco, vaping or nicotine products. These substances can harm the soft tissues, teeth and gums, reduce your sense of taste and smell, and increase your risk of serious oral diseases including oral cancer. While some newer products such as e-cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine pouches are often marketed as “safer alternatives” to smoking, they are not risk-free. Understanding the effects of these habits helps you make informed choices for your oral and overall health.
Smoking and your oral health
Smoking remains one of the most harmful habits for your mouth and general health. Tobacco use is responsible for around 80–90% of oral cancers in Ireland. It also contributes to:
Gum disease – smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, making them more prone to infection and slower to heal.
Bad breath and staining – tar and nicotine cause persistent odour and tooth discolouration.
Reduced taste and smell – smoking dulls your ability to enjoy food and drink.
Delayed healing after extractions, gum treatment or oral surgery.
Higher risk of mouth, lip and throat cancer.
Increased risk when combined with alcohol – smoking and alcohol together multiply the risk of oral cancer.
What you can do:
Visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for oral health checks and mouth cancer screening.
Maintain good daily oral hygiene: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss between your teeth.
If you smoke, consider making a plan to quit — support and advice are available from the HSE Quit Service, phone 1800 201 203, or your local pharmacy.
Vaping and your oral health
Vaping (using e-cigarettes) is often viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking. While it may reduce exposure to some toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke, it is not harmless to your oral health.
Research suggests that vaping can cause:
Gum inflammation and disease – e-cigarette vapour may irritate the gums and alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth.
Dry mouth – ingredients such as propylene glycol can reduce saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
Reduced natural defence – vaping can decrease antioxidants in saliva, making it harder for your mouth to fight infection.
Possible enamel damage from flavouring agents and acids in some e-liquids.
What you can do:
Let your dentist know if you vape so they can monitor your oral tissues and gum health.
Keep your mouth well hydrated and maintain a strong oral hygiene routine.
If you don’t smoke, avoid starting to vape. If you vape to help quit smoking, aim to move towards being nicotine-free.
Nicotine pouches and your oral health
Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the lip and gum to deliver nicotine. They do not contain tobacco leaf, but they still expose your mouth to nicotine and other chemicals.
Early research has shown that nicotine pouches can cause:
Irritation and soreness where the pouch sits.
White patches or lesions on the lining of the mouth.
Gum recession and local tissue changes in the area of use.
Dry mouth and increased plaque build-up.
Because nicotine pouches are relatively new, their long-term effects on oral health and cancer risk are not yet fully known.
What you can do:
Tell your dentist if you use nicotine pouches so they can check for early signs of damage.
Avoid placing the pouch in the same spot repeatedly.
Watch for changes in your mouth such as white patches, ulcers, or gum recession and report these promptly.
Seek support to quit if you use pouches as a source of nicotine.
Protecting your oral health
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss between your teeth.
Drink plenty of water, especially if you vape or use nicotine products.
Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and drinks.
Visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly, and be honest about your smoking or nicotine use so they can give the best care.
Check your mouth regularly for ulcers, white or red patches, lumps or sores that do not heal within three weeks.
For help quitting, contact the HSE Quit Service on 1800 201 203, visit QUIT.ie, or speak with your dentist, GP or pharmacist.
HSE Prevention Campaign
The HSE has recently launched a new public vaping prevention campaign.
While most young people don’t vape or use nicotine pouches, the use of these products among young people is increasing and is a public health concern for the HSE. A recent study of 15 and 16 year olds found:
- 1 in 3 had tried vapes
- 1 in 6 were current users of vapes
- 1 in 13 had tried nicotine pouches (snus).
There is also extensive marketing and promotion of vapes (e-cigarettes) and nicotine pouches (snus). New products like disposable vapes and use of synthetic nicotine salts may be making it easier for children to get addicted to nicotine.
For more information and to access the resources, go to www.healthpromotion.ie and https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/quit-smoking/vaping/.
Remember
Even though vaping and nicotine pouches may appear less harmful than smoking, none of these products are safe for your oral health. Quitting completely is the best way to protect your mouth, your smile and your long-term wellbeing.