Dentist explains horror 'vaper's tongue' symptoms that smokers shouldn't ignore

30 January 2024 , 15:53

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E-cigarette smokers are warned about vaper's tongue (Image: PA)

E-cigarette smokers are being warned by dentists to look out for symptoms of "vaper's tongue", a new phenomenon that can stop you tasting flavours.

The warning comes as the government announced a ban across the UK on disposable vapes as the country prepares to crack down on what's been dubbed an "epidemic". The colourful fruit-flavoured one-use sticks are addictive with many teens drawn in to try them. The government hopes to limit the number of flavours available.

E-cigarettes were initially produced as a way to help smokers quit, but studies claim they have become tougher to pack in than the originals. Some young people have been severely impacted by vaping, with it even leaving a number of children in comas.

Now a dental expert has offered another reason for people to give up, as it can actually lead to the development of "vaper's tongue". According to Dr Rhona Eskander, from dentalphobia.co.uk, the habit can cause some problematic side effects. Speaking to Metro, the dentist said: "It refers to a loss or reduction in a person's ability to taste flavours when vaping.

"Vaper's tongue, or the temporary loss or reduction in the ability to taste flavours when vaping, can occur for several reasons when using vape devices."

They look and taste like sweets - no wonder underage vaping is sweeping Britain

Dentist are warning of the new issue for vapers (PA)

Symptoms of vaper's tongue include a numb tongue, failure to taste your vape flavour or even experiencing an unpleasant taste from your vape. It can even impact your taste generally, meaning you cannot taste food properly.

According to Fisher Pointe Dental: "Vaping can also cause a stuffy nose and negatively impact your ability to smell, and being able to smell goes hand in hand with your ability to taste.

"People end up absolutely caning these vapes and it causes such a massive increase in nicotine and a really, really dry mouth that you lose your sense of taste completely sometimes. The best thing is to quit or cut down."

Kelly-Ann Mills