Smoking & Vaping with Dentures: What You Need to Know
At Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic, we’re committed to helping our clients protect their oral health and enjoy the best possible fit and function from their dentures. Not only does this habit affect your overall health, one area that’s often overlooked when discussing denture care is the impact of smoking and vaping. While vaping may be a newer trend and seen as a “safer” alternative to smoking, both habits may come with serious implications for denture wearers.
In this blog, we’ll break down the effects of smoking and vaping on your oral tissues, gums, and dentures—so you can make informed decisions that support a comfortable, confident smile.
The Effects of Vaping on Denture Health
1. Vaping Causes Dry Mouth
The chemicals in vaping products can dry out your oral tissues, reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for moisturizing your mouth, supporting healthy digestion, and protecting against bacteria. Without it, you’re more susceptible to bad breath, mouth sores, tooth decay, and even infections—especially if you still have some natural teeth.
2. Gum Irritation & Discomfort
Vaping can cause tenderness, swelling, and inflammation of the gums. For denture wearers, this often leads to discomfort when wearing your appliance, making it more difficult to eat, speak, or smile with confidence.
3. Damage to Oral Tissues
The nicotine and other harsh chemicals in e-juices may kill or damage oral cells over time. This damage can delay healing after dental procedures and increase the risk of infection and complications, particularly for patients undergoing adjustments, relines, or implant-supported denture placement.
4. Vaping Can Stain and Odorize Dentures
Like smoking, vaping—especially products that contain nicotine—can stain your dentures. Unfortunately, dentures can't be whitened with over-the-counter products, and stains may become permanent. Dentures can also absorb odours, meaning the smell of vaping may linger in your mouth long after you stop.
The Effects of Smoking on Denture Health
1. Persistent Staining
Cigarette smoke contains tar and nicotine that can leave yellow or brown stains on your dentures. These stains accumulate gradually and can become very difficult to remove. While we offer professional denture cleaning at our clinic, sometimes the only solution is replacement.
2. Gum and Tissue Irritation
Tobacco use irritates soft tissues in your mouth, especially the gums. This can lead to swelling, sensitivity, and shrinking gumlines, all of which impact how well your dentures fit. Poor fit can reduce stability, affect your speech, and make eating a challenge.
3. Accelerated Bone Loss
Smoking speeds up bone loss in the jaw, a concern for all denture wearers. Without natural teeth to stimulate bone, your jawbone will naturally shrink over time—this is even more pronounced in smokers. For patients with implant-supported dentures, smoking can reduce implant success and increase long-term complications.
4. Slower Healing & Greater Risk of Infection
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, limiting oxygen-rich blood from reaching your gums and jaw. This impairs healing, especially after extractions, relines, or surgical procedures. For denture wearers, healthy gums are essential for comfort and support, and smoking can compromise both.
What You Can Do
If you currently smoke or vape and wear dentures, here are a few tips to protect your oral health:
Visit your Denturist & Dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
Consider quitting or reducing smoking/vaping with support from your Doctor
Practice good oral hygiene to protect both your natural tissues and your dentures
Report discomfort early—we may be able to adjust your dentures for better fit and comfort
Final Thoughts from Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic
Smoking and vaping can significantly affect the health of your gums, the longevity of your dentures, and your overall comfort. Whether you're new to dentures or have been wearing them for years, knowing how lifestyle choices impact your smile is the first step toward better care.
If you have concerns about how smoking or vaping may be affecting your dentures, we're here to help. Book a consultation with one of our experienced denturists and let us guide you toward solutions that support your long-term oral health.
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Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic is Canada’s largest Denture Clinic located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With over 100,000+ dentures created since 1977, our team is confident that we can help you love your smile again. Minuk & Koster has denture solutions for all budgets and is here to help you understand the cost of dentures and the process of getting new dentures. Our team of denturists and expert staff are here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Check out our Smile Stories and learn more about the Minuk difference by reviewing our website or calling us at 204-589-6329. Book your free consultation today!
