Vaping after dental surgery could cause further complications with your dental work. Rather than rush in, read this guide to vaping after you have been to the dentist to avoid the pain of a dry socket.

Should you vape after dental surgery? The broad answer is that no, you should not. Although you may be numb at the time of the surgery, your dentist has dealt with an oral problem which may have exposed nerves, open wounds, or sores in the mouth. Eating food, inhaling vapour, and even drinking hot drinks can all impact your future dental health.

Here is what you need to know.

Is vaping bad for your teeth?

Vaping is not good for your teeth but is also far less bad for your teeth than smoking is. The use of certain vape juices may cause a slight discolouration to your teeth, although this is theoretical. It would occur over a long period.

The main problem with vaping in relation to your dental health is not in regard to the staining of your teeth, but rather the consequences of vaping after a dental surgery. While we cover this in greater detail, you can browse our article “Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth” for more information on this question.

What Happens If You Vape After Tooth Extraction?

When you vape after a tooth extraction surgery you run the risk of causing dry socket. A dry socket will take far longer to heal and is likelier to pick up an infection. This happens because of the sucking motion we make with our mouths when we are taking a draw on a vape, a cigarette, or even a straw.

After your tooth extraction, your gum will form a blood clot to stop the bleeding. Sucking actions can move, burst, or dehydrate the clot. If the blood clot vanishes, the bone under the wound will be exposed. It will be far harder to heal this than to heal the simply open wound of the blood clot.

Vaping After Dental Cleaning

If your dentist performs a deep cleaning on your teeth, you should wait for at least 24 hours before you vape again. This is due to the potential for inflammation caused by the sucking action and by the vape juice itself. Although not inherently dangerous, these juices do contain nicotine, a toxin, which can irritate (especially dry) gums.

You should wait one full day before vaping after having your teeth cleaned, descaled, or polished.

Vaping After Dental Crown

Vaping after you have a dental crown installed can slow down the healing process. Instead, wait for at least 24 hours before you vape again. This gives you the best chance of avoiding a slower healing rate and any potential complications.

Vaping After Implant Surgery

Vaping can impact the oxygen levels of the small blood capillaries in your gums, around the base of the teeth. As such, it can prevent oxygenated blood from reaching your teeth and jaw. This lack of oxygen can harm your gums, cause inflammation, and exacerbate gum disease.

You should wait two full days before you vape after dental implant surgery.

General Rules for Vaping After All Dental Work

Dentists recommend the following rules for anyone who wants to vape after dental surgery:

• Ideally do not vape for a day before the surgery to ensure a hydrated mouth
• You should wait 48 hours after your surgery before you vape again
• Alternative NRTs such as nicotine patches can manage your nicotine withdrawal symptoms meantime
• If you MUST vape after dental surgery, consult your dentist about stitching the wound closed

Are there Safe Vape Juices to Use After Dental Surgery?

As yet, there is no safe brand of vape juice to use after a dental surgery. However, when you do recover, VapeDirect.com has all the flavours of e-liquids that you could ever need. Follow us on Facebook for updates or browse the Vape Room 101 for more helpful vaping guides.