The New Oral Health Risk Nobody Is Talking About

Hyderabad: On the occasion of World Health Day, young people in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai are increasingly turning to vaping due to peer pressure and flavored devices, leading to a rise in dental problems among Generation Z, doctors said.

Dental experts said cases of dry mouth, cavities and gum infections due to vaping have been reported at addiction treatment centers run by State Dental Colleges. “It often starts haphazardly,” said Dr Jaineel Parekh, noting that children aged 13 to 15 are experimenting with flavored e-cigarettes and sharing devices, often unaware of the risks. Almost one in four students said they had tried vaping, and many believed it was safer than smoking.

Young users often show early symptoms such as dry mouth, increased plaque despite good oral hygiene, gum irritation, mild swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold foods, doctors said. Some also report rough tooth surfaces and slight discoloration.

Experts said vaping reduces saliva flow and creates a dry environment that allows harmful bacteria to thrive. This increases the risk of cavities and gum infections over time, especially in those who vape frequently throughout the day.

“Ninety-six per cent of Indian school students aged 14-17 are unaware that e-cigarettes have been banned and 89 per cent do not know about its harmful effects,” doctors said, adding that experiments were more common in urban centers such as Delhi and Bengaluru.

Director and head of the department of conservative dentistry and endodontics at the Government Dental College, Dr. Sarjeev Singh Yadav said nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums, which delays healing and masks warning signs. “Gums may recede or bleed easily, and by the time symptoms are noticed the gum tissue may already be compromised,” he said.

Doctors have also flagged disruption of the oral microbiome as e-cigarette aerosols promote acid-producing bacteria. In long-term cases, this can lead to ulcers, gum recession, and delayed healing after dental procedures.

Although nationwide data is still being compiled, dental clinics are reporting a growing number of Gen Z patients experiencing oral health problems related to vaping. Treatment includes professional cleaning and counseling; doctors recommend parental monitoring and behavioral intervention to curb the habit.