A former dental nurse has shared her experience of tooth damage caused by vaping, warning others about its potential impact on oral health.
Stacey Gardiner, 41, from Swansea, developed a £120-a-month vaping habit after she started using e-cigarettes in 2017. Over time, her frequent use led to visible damage, including two dark marks on her front teeth.
She revealed that she sometimes used a standard 600-puff vape in just one day, making it difficult to track how much she consumed.
Gardiner first noticed a black mark forming on one of her front teeth around five years ago. At the time, she did not connect it to vaping. Despite maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding sugary foods, the condition worsened.
A dentist later informed her that the discoloration and damage were likely linked to her vaping habit. According to her, residue from vaping can build up around the gumline and tooth surface, which may lead to staining and decay.
Six months ago, she decided to quit vaping completely. She stopped “cold turkey” after realizing she no longer enjoyed the habit. Although her doctor prescribed nicotine patches to help manage cravings, she said they were not effective.
She explained that her addiction felt more behavioral than chemical, as she continued vaping out of habit rather than nicotine dependence.
To restore her smile, Gardiner spent £200 on clip-on veneers that covered the damaged areas.
Her experience highlights growing concerns about the effects of vaping on dental health. While many people view vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, experts continue to study its long-term impact, especially on teeth and gums.
Gardiner now hopes her story encourages others to reconsider their habits and pay closer attention to early warning signs.
