The Australian Dental Association NSW (ADA NSW) is urging Australians to take a closer look at the devastating impact of tobacco, including vaping, on our oral health, as World No Tobacco Day (May 31 2026) approaches.
ADA NSW president Dr Mark Morrin said while the link between smoking and lung disease is widely understood, the damage tobacco causes inside the mouth is often overlooked and can be just as life-altering.
“Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of oral cancers, gum disease, tooth loss and delayed healing after dental procedures,” Dr Morrin said.
“Your mouth is often the first place the harmful effects show up, and sometimes, the first place they’re detected.”
ADA NSW is also warning against the misconception that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking.
Most vapes do not contain actual tobacco leaves, but they usually contain nicotine extracted from tobacco plants. Vapes heat a liquid, often called e-juice, to create an aerosol containing nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals like propylene glycol and glycerol, rather than burning tobacco.
“They are not tobacco-free, and many products contain nicotine even when labelled ‘nicotine-free’, which poses risks for oral health including dry mouth, gum irritation and increased risk of disease,” Dr Morrin said.
Tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease in Australia, and its oral health consequences are both visible and costly. Smokers are up to three times more likely to develop severe gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
“Gum disease doesn’t just affect your smile: it impacts your overall health, confidence, and quality of life,” Dr Morrin said.
“We’re seeing patients who require extensive and expensive treatments that could have been avoided by quitting tobacco earlier.”
“Regular dental check-ups are critical because early detection can save lives,” Dr Morrin added.
“Oral cancer, in particular, can progress rapidly if not caught early.”
