What sores do you get from vaping?

September 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Emerging research has linked e-cigarette use to a variety of oral health issues, with studies showing an altered oral microbiome that can foster gum disease and lesions. For those using these products, understanding what sores do you get from vaping is a critical first step toward recognizing potential health risks and seeking appropriate care.

Quick Summary

Vaping can cause several types of oral sores, including canker sores, nicotine stomatitis, and angular cheilitis, largely due to chemical irritation, heat exposure, and reduced blood flow from nicotine. It can also lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of gum irritation and infections like oral thrush.

Key Points

Canker sores are a common consequence: Vaping-related irritation can trigger painful ulcers on the cheeks, gums, and tongue, often with a white or yellow center.
Nicotine stomatitis is linked to heat: The roof of the mouth can become gray and thickened with red spots due to the high temperatures of vape aerosol.
Nicotine impedes wound healing: Restricted blood flow caused by nicotine slows the body's natural ability to repair oral tissue, prolonging the life of sores.
Dry mouth creates an ideal environment for sores: Propylene glycol in e-liquids reduces saliva, compromising the mouth's defense against bacteria and irritation.
Altered microbes increase fungal risk: Changes to the oral microbiome can lead to an overgrowth of candida, resulting in an infection known as oral thrush.
Sores can appear in various locations: Depending on the specific condition, sores can develop on the tongue, cheeks, gums, soft palate, and corners of the mouth.
Quitting is the most effective treatment: Cessation of vaping is essential for allowing oral tissues to heal and preventing the recurrence of sores.

The Root Causes of Vaping-Related Sores

Oral lesions linked to vaping stem from various factors associated with e-liquid components and the device's function, all of which disturb the mouth's natural balance.

Chemical Irritation and Allergic Reactions

E-liquids contain ingredients like propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine. These can irritate or cause allergic reactions on the sensitive oral lining, especially flavorings. Repeated exposure can cause inflammation and sores, with some individuals experiencing persistent lesions due to specific ingredient allergies.

Heat and Tissue Damage

The aerosol produced by heating e-liquid can directly damage oral tissue. This thermal stress can lead to chronic inflammation and make tissues more prone to ulceration. Conditions like nicotine stomatitis, an irritation of the palate, can result from this heat.

Nicotine's Impact on Healing

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, reducing blood flow to oral tissues. This impairs the mouth's ability to heal and fight infection, causing sores to last longer. It also increases the likelihood of gum disease.

The Problem of Dry Mouth

Propylene glycol in e-juice can cause dry mouth, reducing saliva flow needed to cleanse the mouth. This allows bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections like oral thrush.

Common Oral Sores and Lesions Linked to Vaping

Vaping can lead to various oral health issues, including painful sores inside the mouth known as canker sores (aphthous ulcers), often triggered or worsened by irritation. Another condition, nicotine stomatitis, is an irritation of the palate caused by heat, appearing as white thickened tissue with red dots. Additionally, sores at the corners of the mouth, called angular cheilitis, can be aggravated by irritants, dry mouth, and changes in oral bacteria due to vaping. Vaping may also contribute to black hairy tongue, where papillae elongate and stain, and oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans overgrowth which vaping can encourage by altering the oral microbiome.

A Comparison of Oral Sores from Vaping

Common oral issues from vaping include canker sores, which are painful ulcers often with a white or yellow center on various parts of the mouth, and nicotine stomatitis, characterized by thickened white tissue and red dots on the palate due to heat. Angular cheilitis appears as cracked, red sores at the mouth's corners, linked to irritation and dry mouth. Black hairy tongue involves stained, elongated papillae on the tongue, potentially from altered oral pH. Oral thrush is a fungal infection causing white patches inside the mouth, encouraged by changes in the oral microbiome.

Steps to Treat and Manage Vaping Sores

If you believe vaping is causing oral sores, consider these steps for relief. Stopping vaping can significantly help in the healing process. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, is important for managing bacteria. Staying hydrated can combat dry mouth and help rinse away irritants. Adjusting your diet to avoid spicy or acidic foods may also reduce irritation. Over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments can help with pain and aid healing. If sores are severe or persist, consulting a dentist or doctor is advisable to rule out other causes and receive proper treatment.

For more information on how vaping alters mouth microbes, read the research from the {Link: National Institutes of Health https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/vaping-alters-mouth-microbes}.

Conclusion

Vaping poses risks to oral health, potentially causing various sores due to factors like heat, chemical irritants, nicotine, and changes in oral microbes. These issues can manifest as canker sores, nicotine stomatitis, angular cheilitis, black hairy tongue, and oral thrush. Quitting vaping and improving oral hygiene are crucial for recovery and prevention. For severe or ongoing sores, seeking professional medical advice is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the sores themselves are not contagious. They are a physical reaction to chemical irritants, heat, and other factors related to vaping, not a transmissible infection. However, if a fungal infection like oral thrush develops, it could potentially be spread through direct contact.

Healing time varies depending on the type and severity of the sore. Minor canker sores might resolve in 1-2 weeks, but continued vaping will delay or prevent healing. Some conditions like nicotine stomatitis require ceasing use to reverse completely.

Yes, some specific flavorings, such as cinnamon and menthol, are known to be more irritating to oral tissues than others. This increased irritation can make the development of sores or inflammation more likely for some users.

The most effective method is to stop vaping immediately. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and using prescribed topical medications can help speed up the healing process and manage symptoms.

For most vaping-related oral lesions, cessation is the most crucial step toward recovery. Once the source of irritation is removed, the body's natural healing processes can repair the tissue. For persistent issues, a dentist should be consulted.

No, vaping does not directly cause cold sores, which are triggered by the herpes simplex virus. However, the stress and irritation from vaping might potentially trigger an outbreak in someone who already carries the virus.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that requires antifungal treatment. It can become persistent or worsen if the underlying cause, such as an altered oral environment due to vaping, is not addressed. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Yes. Studies have detected heavy metals like nickel and lead in vape aerosol. These substances can be toxic to oral tissues, contributing to inflammation and other oral health problems that may lead to sores.