Vaping has become increasingly popular, especially among younger people, as an alternative to smoking. Many believe that because e-cigarettes don’t contain the same harmful toxins as traditional cigarettes, they are a safer option. However, experts are discovering that vaping isn’t as harmless as it might seem, and there are side effects to be aware of. One of the lesser-known issues that has been popping up is called “vape tongue.” Let’s dive into what this condition is and how to combat it.

What is Vape Tongue?

Vape tongue is a condition where a person loses their ability to taste, or their sense of taste becomes dull, after frequent vaping. This side effect has been drawing attention from health experts, including Dr. Stewart Beggs, a cosmetic and restorative dentist based in London. According to Dr. Beggs, vape tongue happens when someone vapes excessively, leading to a dry mouth and an overconsumption of nicotine, which can interfere with your taste buds.

While there isn’t a lot of scientific research on this issue, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from healthcare professionals, including dentists, who have seen it firsthand. In fact, many health experts are now taking to platforms like TikTok to warn people about it.

Why Is Vape Tongue Becoming More Common?

The rise of disposable vapes, which come in a variety of fun and fruity flavors, is one of the reasons for the increase in vape tongue. These vapes are designed to be convenient and easy to use, which has led to many people vaping more frequently throughout the day. However, this increased usage can dry out the mouth, raise nicotine levels in the body, and ultimately cause that annoying loss of taste.

Dr. Beggs explains that this issue has become especially noticeable with younger individuals, who are more likely to use flavored regularly. As a result, the growing popularity of vaping is directly linked to the rise in cases of vape tongue.

How Can You Combat Vape Tongue?

The good news is that tongue is usually a temporary issue, and there are some simple steps you can take to ease the symptoms. Here are a few tips from Dr. Beggs to help get your taste buds back on track:

Cut Down or Stop Vaping

The most obvious solution is to reduce or completely stop vaping. If you’ve noticed a loss of taste, quitting for a while could help your taste buds recover. Taking a break from vaping will give your mouth time to rehydrate and your senses a chance to return to normal.

Drink More Water

Dehydration is one of the main causes of tongue, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Dr. Beggs recommends drinking plenty of water to help alleviate the dryness in your mouth. When your mouth is hydrated, your taste buds can function more effectively, and your sense of taste should improve.

Clean Your Tongue and Practice Better Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene can also play a significant role in reducing the effects of tongue. Dr. Beggs suggests brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a tongue scraper to remove any buildup on your tongue. This will help keep your mouth clean and ensure that your taste buds are not blocked by any residue that might have built up from vaping.

Take Care of Your Dental Health

While vaping may not directly harm your teeth, it can contribute to oral dryness and other dental issues. So, maintaining overall good dental hygiene—like regularly brushing and flossing—can help prevent further complications, including vape tongue.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

For many, vaping has been promoted as a “safer” alternative to smoking. But as more people begin using vapes, the side effects are becoming harder to ignore. Vape tongue is just one of the lesser-known consequences, but there could be other long-term health risks that haven’t yet been fully understood.

The UK government has already announced plans to ban single-use vapes from June this year, largely in response to concerns about their impact on young people. In the meantime, health experts are urging vapers to be mindful of the effects and consider cutting back before it leads to problems like vape tongue.

In Conclusion

Tongue may seem like a minor annoyance, but it’s just one of the many potential side effects of vaping. While quitting vaping altogether might not be realistic for everyone, cutting back and staying hydrated are simple steps you can take to protect your sense of taste. Remember, taking care of your dental hygiene and reducing your vape use can go a long way in avoiding this frustrating issue. Keep an eye on your health, and if you experience vape tongue, try these tips to bring your taste buds back to life!