Vaping has only continued to gain popularity, particularly among youth. Many medical professionals are now raising concerns about a side effect that could permanently alter a persons’ ability to enjoy food and beverages. This condition, known as “vaper’s tongue,” is emerging as another reason for limited (if any) e-cigarette use.
Understanding Vaper’s Tongue

Vaper’s tongue manifests as a temporary loss or reduction in the ability to taste flavors while vaping. This concerning condition has caught the attention of medical professionals, though research is still in its early stages. As Benjamin Chaffee, a Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, notes, “There’s not currently reliable evidence to indicate how common the condition is or the mechanisms causing it.”
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The Science Behind the Sensation

Tom Viola, a board-certified pharmacist with over 30 years of experience, explains the alarming mechanism behind this condition: “You’re inhaling that vape mist or aerosol, [and it] doesn’t have enough time to cool off between the end of the vape pen and your mucosa, so you end up scalding, or burning, or somehow injuring your tongue.” With vape pens generating temperatures of 120°C-150°C, the potential for tissue damage is significant.
Chemical Concerns

The condition may be linked to various chemicals present in e-cigarette liquids. These include propylene glycol, benzoic acid, and vegetable glycerin, along with various flavorants like cinnamaldehyde and diacetyl. Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from Stanford Medicine observes, “One can imagine that the chemicals in e-cigarettes and especially the flavorants and others, can cause issues with oral health but nothing that we know for sure.”
Beyond Taste Loss

The impact extends beyond just losing taste sensations. Viola warns that vaping can lead to xerostomia, a condition that affects saliva production and distribution, further compromising taste perception. This combination of effects can significantly impact daily life and eating experiences.
Recovery Possibilities

While the effects of vaper’s tongue may be reversible, breaking free from the habit presents its own challenges. As Viola explains, “I think a lot of people realise that if they were to stop vaping for a certain period, they would find their xerostomia would clear up and their taste does return. But you know, vaping itself is addictive and it’s really hard to stop vaping once it’s become part of your lifestyle.”
Widespread Impact

These issues becomes more prominent when you consider that more than 2.5 million youths reported using e-cigarettes in the United States alone in 2022. Since 2014 (so now over a decade ago), e-cigarettes are the most used tobacco product among kids and teens, making it incredibly important to understand these side effects.
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Medical Community Response

Healthcare workers are becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns. The American Lung Association maintains the position that “E-cigarettes are not safe and can cause irreversible lung damage and lung disease. No one should use e-cigarettes or any other tobacco product.” One would hope that this position, paired with emerging evidence about vaper’s tongue, would create increased caution and awareness.
Future Research Needs

The medical community emphasizes the need for more research into this condition. As Dr. Chaffee states, “This is another example of the many things we do not know about how vaping affects the body. It’s a reason for more research and a reason to approach these products with caution.” Until more is understood about the long-term implications, users should be aware of these potential risks to their sensory health.