Is there any health lesson more ingrained than the fact that cigarettes are bad for you? From the warning labels to the Know the Truth commercials, it’s become pretty clear that tobacco is detrimental to your overall health. When e-cigarettes came on the scene a few years back, however, they promised to be a safer, better-for-you alternative. But are they really any better than a pack of smokes? Here’s what you need to know to protect your smile.

1. e-Cigarettes Wear Many Masks. From vape pens and hookahs to mods, electronic cigarettes go by many names. They also come in many shapes, sizes and colors. While one version might look like a traditional cigarette or pipe, another might look more like a USB drive. The main difference is that unlike cigarettes, the electronic version doesn’t burn tobacco. Instead, e-cigarettes use a battery to heat up a liquid to create a fine mist or aerosol. That’s what users inhale.
2. They’re Probably Not Safer or Healthier. Leave a cigarette unattended and you’re likely to burn a hole in the carpet or set fire to your house. Without an actual flame, e-cigarettes seem like a much safer option. There have been accounts, however, of e-cigarettes exploding or catching fire while charging or while in use.Well, at least the liquid is safer than the chemicals in cigarettes, right? Not exactly. The fine mist or aerosol can often contain “nicotine, flavorings, and sometimes tiny metal particles like tin or lead that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs” (aka cancer-causing chemicals). Most times, the user doesn’t even know how much nicotine they are consuming because the amount delivered via e-cigarettes can be much greater than the amount indicated on the label. Some nicotine-free products have also been found to contain nicotine.
3. Your Oral Health is at Risk. In addition to the risk of getting an injury to the mouth or face from an exploding e-cigarette, nicotine has also been found to contribute to gum disease—something that puts users at an increased risk for tooth loss as well.

Over all, the research on e-cigarettes isn’t nearly as robust as the case against regular cigarettes, but your best bet is to stay clear. Avoiding nicotine and other harmful chemicals is important not only for your oral health, but your overall heath, too. Remember that regular dental checkups and cleanings are an important way to supplement good dental habits. To find out the latest and best information about you and your family’s specific needs, talk to your dentist. A professional can help you determine what procedures to schedule and how to maintain good oral health outside the office.