Cigarettes, vapes, cannabis joints… These habits are now part of everyday life for many patients. We know they’re not ideal for the lungs or the heart, but the impact on the gums and dental implants is often underestimated.

If you’re wondering about the link between vaping, gums and dental implants, this post is for you. The goal isn’t to judge you, but to give you the information you need to make better decisions for your oral health.

At Dentisterie Montreal, we are seeing more and more patients who vape or use cannabis in addition to smoking. Here is what you really need to know.

What tobacco, vaping and cannabis do in your mouth

Whatever the form (cigarette, vape, joint, cigar, hookah), we see the same trio of problems:

  • Heat and irritating products: they attack the tissues in the mouth.

  • Nicotine and other substances: they decrease blood flow in the gums.

  • Dry mouth: saliva naturally protects the teeth and gums; when there isn’t enough, bacteria multiply.

The result:

  • the gums are less well nourished;

  • the body’s defence against bacteria is reduced;

  • healing after treatment (such as implant placement) becomes more difficult.

Gums and periodontitis: why these habits are so damaging

Your gums are like the foundation on which your teeth and implants take root. When they are inflamed or infected, we talk about gingivitis or periodontitis.

Tobacco and, to a certain extent, vaping and cannabis:

  • increase the build-up of plaque and tartar;

  • sometimes hide the signs of inflammation (less bleeding, but more damage deeper down);

  • speed up the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth.

This explains why smokers and some people who vape have:

  • a higher risk of developing periodontitis;

  • deeper periodontal pockets;

  • more tooth loss in the long term.

👉 On your site, this text can be linked to your information page on periodontitis, for patients who want to learn more about this gum disease.

Is vaping really “less bad” for your gums?

Many people switch to vaping thinking they are protecting their health. It’s true that some of the effects on the lungs are different, but in the mouth, the impact is far from neutral.

With vaping and gums, we see in particular:

  • irritation from flavourings and solvents;

  • a drier mouth, which means more plaque and more cavities;

  • the effect of nicotine (when present), which reduces blood flow in the gums.

The problem is that vaping is sometimes used much more frequently than a regular cigarette, which increases exposure.

If you are looking for information on “vapotage gencives Montréal” (vaping and gums in Montreal), remember this:

For your gums, vaping is not a magic solution. It is often only “less bad” in a very relative way – and sometimes it creates new problems.

vapotage gencives Montréal

Cannabis: an underrated impact on oral health

Cannabis, especially when smoked, also comes with risks:

  • irritation of the oral mucosa;

  • significant dry mouth;

  • more plaque and more cavities (especially with sugary “munchies”);

  • increased risk of gum disease.

Some people combine cigarettes, vaping and cannabis, which adds up the negative effects on the gums and the supporting bone.

Dental implants: why smoking or vaping complicates everything

A dental implant needs a healthy environment to fuse with the bone. This process is called osseointegration. Tobacco (and possibly vaping) interferes at several stages:

  • blood flow is reduced;

  • healing is slower;

  • the risk of infection increases.

Possible consequences:

  • a higher chance of implant failure;

  • increased risk of peri-implantitis (inflammation and bone loss around the implant);

  • the need for corrections or additional surgeries.

The more a person smokes (amount and duration), the higher these risks become. For an implant treatment plan, it is often recommended to cut down or quit smoking before and after surgery.

👉 This post can be linked to your page on dental implants to help patients understand healing and long-term maintenance issues.

Vaping and implants: still not enough data… but caution is needed

Science has less long-term data on vaping and dental implants than on cigarettes. However, several points are worrisome:

  • nicotine (when present) affects blood vessels;

  • heat and certain chemicals irritate the tissues;

  • dry mouth encourages plaque build-up around the implant.

Even if some areas are still unclear, the precautionary principle applies:

To stack the odds in your favour, it’s best to limit – or even avoid – smoking and vaping around implant surgery.

Do you have to quit everything to have or keep implants?

Ideally, yes. In real life, each situation is different.

At Dentisterie Montreal, we don’t demand perfection, but we do believe in harm reduction:

  • reduce the number of cigarettes per day;

  • avoid smoking or vaping right before and right after surgery;

  • follow hygiene instructions around implants very carefully;

  • increase the frequency of professional cleanings.

Even a partial reduction can improve healing and the stability of your implants.

What can you do right now if you smoke or vape?

1. Talk openly with your dentist

We’re not here to judge you, but to help protect your teeth, gums and implants. The more we know about your habits, the better we can tailor your treatment.

2. Improve your home care routine

  • brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste;

  • use dental floss or interdental brushes every day;

  • use an electric toothbrush if possible;

  • use an alcohol-free mouthwash if you have dry mouth.

3. Schedule more frequent cleanings

For smokers, people who vape, or regular cannabis users, follow-up every 3–4 months may be recommended to limit damage to the gums and around implants.

4. Watch for warning signs

  • red, swollen or bleeding gums;

  • persistent bad breath;

  • teeth or implants that feel slightly loose;

  • sensitivity to cold or pressure.

These signs may indicate the beginning of periodontitis or a problem around an implant. The earlier we intervene, the better the chances of saving the tooth or implant.

5. Consider support to cut down or quit

Your physician, pharmacist or other resources can help you find a strategy that works for you (patches, gum, medication, behavioural support).

How Dentisterie Montreal can help

Our team:

  • evaluates the health of your gums and supporting bone;

  • closely monitors the condition of your dental implants;

  • offers a personalized treatment plan (deep cleaning, periodontitis care, implant maintenance);

  • advises you on the best habits to limit the effects of tobacco, vaping and cannabis on your mouth.

Whether you smoke, vape or use cannabis, you still deserve a healthy smile. We’re here to support you, not to make you feel guilty.

You smoke, vape or use cannabis and you’re worried about your gums or your implants?
Book an appointment at Dentisterie Montreal. We can assess the health of your gums, screen for possible periodontitis and propose a care plan to protect your teeth and implants – even if you’re not ready to quit completely.