A Cavan dentist has spoken out about the harmful effects that 'vaping' is having on the health and well-being of young people. Dr Joanne O Riordan of Church Street Dental in Cavan, voiced her concerns over the issue on today's Joe Finnegan Show.
According to the local dentist, those who vape, particularly young people, are "damaging" their teeth and putting themselves at risk of gum disease.
Dr O Riordan highlighted how regular puffing of a "vape" or "e-cigarette" exposes the mouth to disease and infection, while the "high-sugar" content within these products can also lead to tooth decay.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Dr O Riordan stated that she herself has noticed an "increase" in gum disease amongst patients within her practice, particularly in those who wear braces.
As a result, she has called for legislation to be introduced that would ban the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes over the counter to those who are underage.
"A big issue here is that most of the people who are vaping, a big proportion are under 25, including children, there's no legislation currently to stop a child or any person from buying e-cigarettes over the counter, therefore children who vape are damaging their teeth and putting themselves at risk of gum disease," explained Dr O Riordan.
