As a parent, you do your best to keep tabs on your teen’s health. But some trends slip under the radar, until your child shows up in a dental chair. Vaping, oral nicotine pouches like Zyn, and energy drinks are now common among teens, and they’re quietly affecting your teen’s teeth. The CDC reports that in 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S., with 5.9% of them vaping. And energy drinks remain a go-to for studying, sports, and socializing. But few teens (or parents) realize the potential implications these habits can have on teeth and overall oral health.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening inside their mouth and how you can help stop it.

Does Vaping Affect Your Teeth?

The short answer is yes, and it’s not just about nicotine. Even “zero-nic” vapes come with risks. Vaping, regardless of nicotine content, reduces saliva flow, leading to dry mouth. Saliva protects the enamel and neutralizes acids. Without it, bacteria flourish. This means more plaque, more decay, and more gum inflammation.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Chronic dry mouth
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• New or worsening cavities
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), vaping has been linked to increased gum disease in teens. While zero-nicotine products remove the addiction concern, the dental damage remains. Teeth before and after vaping often show clear patterns of decay, discoloration, and early-stage gum disease. If your teen vapes, their next checkup is more than routine—it’s essential.

Is Zyn Bad for Your Teeth and Gums?

Zyn and similar nicotine pouches are often seen as a “clean” alternative to smoking or vaping. No smoke, no vapor, just a pouch under the lip. But the damage is real, especially at the gum line. These pouches can cause localized gum recession and irritation where they’re placed. Over time, this exposes sensitive roots and increases cavity risk.

What to look for:

• Gum pulling away from the tooth
• Redness or soreness in one specific spot
• Tooth sensitivity
• Small cuts or sores that keep coming back

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) warns that early gum recession in teens can lead to lasting tooth damage, even if they quit the habit later.

Are Energy Drinks Bad for Your Teeth?

Energy drinks may promise a quick boost, but they come with a long-term price for your teen’s oral health. Energy drinks, for the most part, are bad for your teeth. Even sugar-free options don’t get a free pass. Energy drinks are acidic by design. That acidity weakens tooth enamel almost immediately. Add sugar to the mix, and you have the perfect storm for decay. Even sugar-free energy drinks harm teeth due to their high acid content.

Common symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Yellowing or thinning of enamel
• Visible erosion on front teeth
• More cavities than usual

Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that drinking just one energy drink per day can start to change enamel density. So drinking Monster, Red Bull, or a sugar-free version regularly can damage your teeth.

What Parents Can Do

If your teen vapes, uses nicotine pouches, or consumes energy drinks, the first step is awareness. These habits are often normalized among peers but come with hidden consequences.

Here’s how to help:

• Schedule a dental checkup: Regular cleanings help catch damage early, before it becomes permanent.
• Keep water nearby: Encourage your teen to drink water after using any of these products to rinse away acids and sugars.
• Offer alternatives: Sugar-free gum, herbal teas, or even sparkling water can help reduce reliance on these habits.

At Newtown Dentistry, we see the patterns early. And we’re here to help you catch them before they turn into major problems.

If you’re concerned about how vaping, nicotine pouches, or energy drinks may be affecting your teen’s teeth, schedule a visit with Newtown Dentistry. Our team is trained to spot these early signs and work with families to prevent lasting damage.