Dental procedures are rarely fun, and it is natural to want to know when you will be able to carry on as normal after them. If you have a procedure coming up and you want to know whether you will be able to vape afterwards, this handy guide should be able to help.
We will cover current guidelines on vaping after dental procedures, explore potential risks and provide information to help you vape safely and recover responsibly after visiting the dentist.
Can I vape after a tooth extraction?
It is best to avoid vaping for a while after a tooth extraction. When you have a tooth extracted, a gap is left in your gum. Blood fills this gap and clots as a way to protect your mouth and gum as it heals.
However, this blood clot can be disturbed by eating, sucking through a straw, or engaging in things like vaping. When the blood clot is disturbed, you may develop a condition called dry socket. Dry socket can be very painful, as it leaves the bones and nerves exposed, and can lead to pain, delayed healing and even potential complications.
How long should I wait before vaping after a tooth extraction?
It is wise to wait for a minimum of 48 hours before vaping following a tooth extraction. Waiting even longer can also be beneficial. There are alternative ways to manage nicotine cravings during this period, such as making use of nicotine pouches or strips, which do not require a sucking motion.
There is a good chance that your dentist will provide you with information and literature about what to do and what not to do after a tooth extraction. You may receive a leaflet, like this NHS one, which details what should be avoided after an extraction, and this will usually include recommendations regarding smoking and vaping.
Vaping with braces, aligners & retainers
There are a variety of orthodenticle procedures that are designed to help straight your teeth, but are these things that can be affected by vaping? Find out what hygienic or physical factors need to be considered if you are considering vaping with braces or aligners like Invisalign.
Can you vape with braces?
While the physical act of vaping with braces should not cause any damage to your braces, it is important to understand that vaping can create a sticky residue that can adhere to braces and be hard to remove. The wires and mechanics of braces can make it harder to keep your teeth clean in general. Residue that isn’t fully removed could lead to staining or even plaque buildup. It is very important to follow a good dental hygiene routine when you have braces, and especially if you are vaping too.
Can you vape with Invisalign and retainers?
It is not recommended to vape while you are wearing aligners or retainers. E-liquid can become trapped between the device and your teeth, which can end up staining your aligner and even make it unsanitary. It is best to remove retainers or aligners before vaping and to clean them thoroughly to avoid staining either your aligners or your teeth.
In both cases, if you do vape while undergoing orthodenticle treatment, be sure to let your orthodontist know and schedule checkups to keep an eye on your oral health throughout.
Vaping after fillings and crowns
Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures and you may be used to hearing not to eat or drink for a certain amount of time after having one done, but what about vaping?
When can I vape after a filling or crown?
After a filling or crown, it takes some time for the composite to fully set and bond. This is why you are advised not to put too much pressure on it in the first hours after having it done.
The sucking motion of vaping could put pressure on a new filling and the heat generated by vaping could affect the bonding process of some composites, so it is best to avoid it immediately after a procedure. There is very little risk that a modern filling could be dislodged by vaping, but it is best to be on the safe side. Especially because there is a big difference between a very small filling and more extensive ones.
When having a filling or crown fitted, ask your dentist how long you should wait before vaping, as they can provide advice based on your specific situation and procedure.
Vaping after cosmetic procedures
There are a few popular cosmetic procedures that are frequently carried out at dentists, such as lip fillers and teeth whitening, and it is important to consider the effect that vaping directly afterwards could have on the procedure.
Can you vape after lip fillers?
Vaping is generally not recommended immediately after lip fillers. The sucking motion or the action of pursing your lips could put pressure on injection sites, potentially causing swelling, bruising, or even affecting the filler's shape. To help protect the integrity of the procedure and give the filler time to settle and the skin time to heal from the injections, it is advisable to wait 48 hours after lip fillers to vape.
Vaping and teeth whitening
While vaping does not cause the same kind of staining that is caused from cigarette smoke, some darker vape juices can cause some discolouration. If you have recently had your teeth whitened or you are concerned about keeping your teeth white in general, it is a good idea to stick to clear or light-coloured e-liquids, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene.
General vaping & oral health best practices
When it comes to vaping, your oral health should always take precedence. The best course of action is to consult your dentist or doctor if you have any concerns or questions about when it is safe to vape after a particular procedure. Responsible vaping is key to maintaining oral health and wellbeing, and speaking with your practitioner means you will be able to get advice tailored to your specific needs and any procedures you may have
A commitment to your wellbeing
Vaping is a powerful and long-term alternative to smoking, and we stock a huge range of vaping products to help you along a smoke-free journey. At Evapo, we are committed to sharing the information and expertise that can help you maintain your health and work towards a smoke-free future. For us, that also means looking at the times when it may be better to not vape, such as directly after dental procedures.
Always consult a health professional when it comes to questions about your oral or overall health and be sure to listen to your body. Often, your dentist or clinician will provide you with advice or a leaflet detailing aftercare, but don’t be shy about asking questions. Every person and procedure is different, and that tailored advice can be very beneficial.
Also, there are a number of other ways to manage nicotine cravings following procedures such as lip fillers or fillings. Explore our full range of nicotine pouches and strips to discover some alternate options that are useful when you are unable to vape, as well as our alternatives to smoking.
Sources
Health.harvard.edu – 02/06/2025
Leedsth-nhs.uk – 01/07/2023
Mydentist.co.uk – 21/08/2024
