Apart from the other well-documented smoking related health problems, smoking and vaping both affect the health of the mouth. Smokers are more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers. If you do smoke or vape, it is especially important for you to visit the dentist regularly to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and there are no signs of oral cancer present. Smoking is associated with an approximately 80 percent increased risk of developing severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, bone loss and other periodontal diseases compared to people who do not smoke. Oral cancer is two times more likely to develop in people who use tobacco compared to those who do not. This includes tobacco that is smoked and chewed. Drinking alcohol and smoking at the same time can increase your risk of oral cancer even more than each alone. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption cause about 75% of oral cancers. Once you quit using tobacco, your risk of developing oral cancer will start to decrease. Whilst there is no tobacco in e-cigarettes, vaping can still have a negative effect on your oral health and is not recommended as a replacement for smoking. Many vapes still contain nicotine and other chemicals, including heavy metals that have a similar negative effect as regular smoking. Research has shown that the oral effects of e-cigarettes may include mouth and throat discomfort, changes to the soft tissues in the mouth and damage to the teeth and gums. This research is based on e-cigarette use by non-smokers.