Story at-a-glance Vaping increases plaque buildup and harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to gum disease and long-term oral health issues E-cigarettes suppress gum bleeding, making it harder to detect early signs of gum disease while still causing inflammation and tissue damage Nicotine in vapes reduces blood flow to the gums, slowing healing and making infections more difficult to fight Flavored e-cigarettes cause more gum irritation and oxidative stress compared to unflavored ones, worsening periodontal damage Quitting vaping completely is the best way to restore gum health, reduce inflammation and prevent long-term damage to teeth and gums