Yeah, cutting back definitely helps. I noticed similar issues after vaping regularly—dry mouth, sensitive gums, all that. Once I eased up and started using Biotene mouthwash, things got way better pretty quickly... dentists aren't kidding around, unfortunately.
"Once I eased up and started using Biotene mouthwash, things got way better pretty quickly... dentists aren't kidding around, unfortunately."
That's interesting—I hadn't considered Biotene specifically, but it makes sense given the dry mouth issue. My son started vaping a while back (against my advice, obviously), and recently he's been complaining about similar symptoms. We initially thought it was just dehydration or something minor, but now I'm thinking the vaping might be the culprit. I've read that vaping can impact saliva production, leading to gum sensitivity and even cavities over time. The dentist mentioned something similar last visit, but I didn't fully connect the dots until now.
Did you notice improvements right away after cutting back, or did it take some time for your gums to feel normal again? I'm trying to gauge how quickly we might see results if my son reduces his vaping habits and maybe tries something like Biotene.
Biotene can help, but honestly, cutting back on vaping might take longer to show noticeable improvement. When I quit smoking (different, I know, but similar dry-mouth issues), it took a few weeks before my gums stopped feeling irritated and sensitive. Mouthwash helped ease symptoms temporarily, but the real healing seemed gradual. So I'd say don't expect overnight miracles—it's more about consistency and patience than anything else.
Totally agree about the patience part. When I cut back on vaping, I noticed the dry mouth improved slowly, but honestly, the biggest difference came from drinking more water throughout the day. Have you tried upping your hydration? Sounds basic, but it really helps keep saliva flowing and reduces that uncomfortable dryness.
Also, Biotene is decent, but it can get pricey if you're using it daily. Have you looked into cheaper alternatives? I found some generic brands at CVS and Walgreens that have basically the same ingredients for less money. They worked just as well for me without breaking the bank.
Another thing—are you vaping flavored juices? I noticed certain flavors (especially minty or menthol ones) seemed to irritate my gums more than others. Switching to something milder or flavorless helped ease the irritation quicker. Might be worth experimenting with if you're not ready to quit completely yet.
I get what you're saying about mouthwash too, but be careful with alcohol-based rinses—they can actually dry your mouth out more in the long run. Alcohol-free rinses were gentler on my gums and seemed to help healing along better.
Have you talked to your dentist about fluoride treatments or special toothpaste? Mine recommended a fluoride gel that wasn't too expensive and helped strengthen my enamel while I was cutting back on vaping. It felt like it sped up recovery a bit, or at least made my teeth feel less sensitive during the process.
Anyway, hang in there—it does get better, just takes some time and trial-and-error figuring out what works best for your mouth.
I noticed the same thing about flavored juices—especially citrusy ones. They made my gums feel raw and sensitive, almost like I'd burned them on hot pizza or something. Switching to unflavored helped a bit, but honestly, I still worry about long-term damage. Did your dentist say anything specific about how long it takes gums to fully bounce back after quitting or cutting down vaping? I'm kinda anxious mine won't fully recover...
