An expert has warned some people who overuse e-cigarettes could have a new side-effect known as vape tongue, which can cause a temporary loss of taste in people’s mouths
E-cigarette users have been warned of a potential new side-effect, known as ” vape tongue”, which can effect those who use them too much, according to a mouth expert.
The alternative to smoking was introduced to the market in the early 2000s as a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco. Due to the flavours mimicking fruit and sweets, it has been largely taken up by youths.
Now a report has found people can experience a temporary loss of taste caused by too much vaping, according to medical experts. Dentist Dr Smita Mehra said: “Vape tongue is a temporary condition caused by excessive vaping.
“A high intake of nicotine from vaping, combined with dry mouth, contributes to a reduced ability to taste food. If you experience vape tongue, it’s essential to cut down on vaping and maintain excellent oral hygiene.”
Dr Mehra, of The Neem Tree Dental Practices, with surgeries in London and Surrey, added sufferers should drink plenty of water. She said: “Since the condition is linked to dehydration, staying fully hydrated is crucial. Clean your mouth, and when brushing your teeth, make sure to clean your tongue using either the bristles of your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.”
It comes ahead of a ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in England – due to come into force on June 1. The Government said: “Single-use vapes are not rechargeable or refillable, and are typically discarded as general waste in a bin or littered, rather than recycled – contributing to a flood of litter on our streets.
“Even when they are sent to recycling facilities, they usually have to be disassembled by hand – a slow and difficult process which will struggle to keep up with the pace of vape production. “Their lithium-ion batteries can also present a fire risk to waste industry workers.”
A poll showed the public is in favour of restricting the sale and supply of single-use vapes, with 69% of consultation respondents supporting these proposals in February 2024. Banning these vapes will stop them from being thrown into bins with general waste, where they typically end up in landfill or being incinerated, posing a fire risk due to their lithium-ion batteries and can cause poor air quality.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities. That is why we are banning single use vapes as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.
“This is the first step on the road to a circular economy, where we use resources for longer, reduce waste, accelerate the path to net-zero and create thousands of jobs across the country.”
