If you vape and have recently noticed sore spots or ulcers in your mouth, you might be wondering if the two are connected. Mouth ulcers are painful, frustrating and often appear without warning. While vaping is not guaranteed to cause ulcers, it can be a trigger for some people.
This guide explains how vaping may contribute to mouth ulcers, what to look out for and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
Can vaping cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, for some people it can. Vaping introduces heat, flavouring and nicotine into the mouth. These ingredients can irritate the soft tissues inside your cheeks, lips, gums or under your tongue, especially if you are sensitive to certain compounds.
Not everyone who vapes gets ulcers, but it is not uncommon for regular users to experience occasional flare-ups. This is especially true if you are new to vaping, recently changed flavours or have a history of oral sensitivity.
Why does it happen?
There are a few reasons why vaping might lead to ulcers in the mouth:
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Nicotine: This can reduce blood flow to the gums and interfere with healing
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Flavourings: Some artificial flavours can irritate the lining of the mouth
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Dry mouth: Vaping can reduce saliva, which makes your mouth more vulnerable to irritation
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Heat: Repeated exposure to warm vapour may affect sensitive areas
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Allergic or sensitivity reaction: Some people react to specific ingredients in e-liquid
It is often a combination of factors that causes the problem, not one single thing.
Where do vape-related ulcers usually appear?
Ulcers can develop anywhere in the mouth but tend to appear in places that come into contact with vapour or where irritation is more likely. Common spots include:
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Inside the cheeks
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Under the tongue
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Along the gum line
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On the inside of the lips
These are the same areas affected by dry mouth or accidental bites, which is why ulcers often develop there when the mouth is already irritated.
How long do they last?
Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 7 to 10 days. If the cause is vaping, they may take longer if you continue to vape without adjusting anything. Reducing vaping or switching flavours can help speed up healing.
If an ulcer lasts longer than two weeks, becomes larger or more painful or you notice multiple ulcers that keep returning, speak to a doctor or dentist to rule out other causes.
Is it the flavour?
Sometimes it is. Some people find citrus, mint or sweet ice flavours cause more irritation than fruit or neutral options. If you’ve recently switched to a new flavour and started getting ulcers, the flavouring could be the trigger.
The Lost Mary BM6000 collection includes a wide range of flavours. If one is not agreeing with your mouth, it is worth trying a milder alternative to see if things improve.
What can I do to stop them?
If vaping is giving you mouth ulcers, here are a few simple things that may help:
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Drink more water to combat dry mouth
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Switch to a different flavour or lower nicotine strength
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Use a saltwater rinse once or twice a day
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Avoid spicy or acidic foods while healing
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Take a break from vaping for a few days if the irritation is severe
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Maintain a good oral hygiene routine but avoid brushing directly on the ulcers
Many people find that by adjusting just one or two of these factors, the problem goes away or becomes less frequent.
Can I still vape with ulcers?
You can, but it may slow healing and make the pain worse. If the ulcers are mild and you do not feel much discomfort, you may be fine to carry on. If they feel sore, try reducing how often you vape or changing your draw style to reduce contact with the sore area.
If vaping feels like it is making the ulcers worse or stopping them from healing, it is best to pause for a few days and allow your mouth to recover.
Want to learn more?
We’ve created a full set of health guides to help you understand how vaping can affect different parts of the body. Whether you’re looking into oral health, lung sensitivity or side effects like dry mouth or chest tightness, there is clear, honest advice to help you make the best decision for your body.
Final thoughts
Vaping can cause mouth ulcers for some people, particularly if they are sensitive to nicotine, dehydrated or using a flavour that irritates their mouth. The good news is that most ulcers go away on their own and can be prevented with small adjustments like changing flavours, drinking more water and giving your mouth a rest when needed.
If you enjoy vaping but find that certain e-liquids or strengths trigger discomfort, explore gentler options in the Lost Mary BM6000 collection. And if ulcers become a regular problem, speak to a dental professional to rule out other causes.
Mouth discomfort is a common early symptom for new users. Find out more in does vaping cause gum disease
If you’re also getting throat irritation, our guide on can vaping cause tonsillitis may help.