Dentist Warns About ‘Vape Tongue’ – A Little-Known Side Effect of Vaping
What Is ‘Vape Tongue’?
A leading London dentist, Dr Stewart Beggs, has warned about an increasing trend among vapers – a condition known as ‘vape tongue’. This side effect causes a loss of taste, often due to excessive vaping and reduced saliva production.
How Does Vaping Cause ‘Vape Tongue’?
Dr Beggs explained on TikTok that nicotine in vapes can dry out the mouth, preventing the tongue from detecting flavours properly. Many vapers report losing their ability to taste, especially when they use the same vape flavour repeatedly.
Can ‘Vape Tongue’ Be Reversed?
The good news is that ‘vape tongue’ isn’t permanent. Dr Beggs reassures vapers that reducing or quitting vaping can restore taste over time. Staying hydrated, maintaining oral hygiene, and taking breaks from vaping can help speed up recovery.
Other Health Risks of Vaping
While many see vapes as a safer alternative to smoking, research suggests they still come with risks. Some reported side effects of vaping include:
- Mouth irritation
- Headaches and nausea
- Coughing and dehydration
- Severe cases of fainting or vomiting black-green liquid
More concerning is the rise in young children being hospitalised due to vape-related harm.
Government Action on Youth Vaping
With the popularity of disposable vapes soaring, the UK government is set to ban single-use vapes from June 2025. According to NHS data, one in ten children aged 11 to 15 regularly uses e-cigarettes, prompting stricter regulations.
Is Vaping a Safer Alternative to Smoking?
The NHS acknowledges that vapes can help smokers quit and are considered less harmful than cigarettes. However, long-term effects are still being studied, and experts warn of potential risks to young people’s health.
Final Thoughts
With more reports of vape-related health issues, experts are urging users to be mindful of their vaping habits. If you’ve noticed a loss of taste, it may be time to cut down, stay hydrated, and prioritise oral health.
If any of the challenges outlined in this article are impacting you, please reach out to us, and our team will try to assist in any way we can.