What is vape tongue?
What is vape tongue and what causes it? Here are potential solutions for those experiencing it:
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Start quizIf you’re a vaper, you may have encountered a peculiar and frustrating phenomenon known as “vape tongue.”
This condition, also referred to as vaper’s fatigue, occurs when you suddenly lose the ability to taste your vape juice or notice a significant decrease in the flavours.
It’s a common issue for many vapers, but fortunately, it’s usually temporary. In this article, we’ll explore what causes vape tongue, how to avoid it, and when it might indicate a more serious concern.
We’ll also discuss other potential reasons for a loss of taste to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
What causes vape/vaper’s tongue?
Vape tongue is when one moment you can taste the vape liquid and then find it tasteless the next.
The primary cause of vape tongue is desensitisation of the taste buds.
Over time, your taste receptors can become overwhelmed and less responsive to a particular flavour, especially if you frequently vape the same e-liquid.
This condition is similar to what happens when you consume the same food repeatedly and eventually find it less flavorful.
Possible causes of vaper’s tongue
Several factors may contribute to vape tongue, including:
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Flavour fatigue
Constantly vaping the same flavour can lead to flavour fatigue, where the taste buds become desensitised to that specific flavour.
This is the most common cause of vape tongue.
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Dehydration
Vaping can contribute to dry mouth because the ingredients in e-liquids, particularly propylene glycol (PG), can absorb moisture.
When you’re dehydrated, your taste buds may struggle to detect flavours.
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Smoking history
Former smokers may experience taste bud changes as they transition to vaping.
Years of smoking can dull taste perception, and although vaping is generally less harmful than smoking, the recovery of taste can take time.
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Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
Some vapers experience dry mouth as a side effect of vaping.
Since saliva plays a vital role in tasting, a dry mouth can result in reduced flavour perception.
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Illness or allergies
If you’re under the weather, your sense of taste may be affected.
Common illnesses like colds, the flu, or sinus infections can temporarily impair taste perception.
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Medication side effects
Some medications, including antihistamines, antibiotics, and blood pressure medications, can alter your sense of taste.
If you’re taking medication and experience vape tongue, it could be a contributing factor.
How to avoid vaper’s tongue
There are several strategies to prevent vape tongue or minimise its impact:
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Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help combat dehydration caused by vaping.
Keeping your mouth moist and hydrated improves your sense of taste and overall health.
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Rotate flavours
Having a variety of e-liquid flavours can help prevent flavour fatigue.
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Cleanse your palate
Certain foods and beverages can help cleanse your palate and refresh your taste buds.
Drinking water, black coffee, or tea, or consuming citrus fruits can help reset your senses.
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Practise good oral hygiene
Brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and staying on top of your oral health can improve taste perception.
Removing plaque and ensuring good oral hygiene is especially important for vapers who may experience dry mouth.
Read more about how vaping affects your oral health
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Take a vaping break
If you’re still experiencing vape tongue after trying these steps, taking a break from vaping for a few days can give your taste buds time to reset.
Once you resume, you may find the flavours more vibrant.
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Stop Vaping
The best way to avoid vape tongue is not to vape so why not use Allen Carr’s Easyway the drug free method that is easy to quit vaping
When should you worry about vaper’s tongue?
Vape tongue is usually temporary, and most people recover within a few days to a week.
However, if the loss of taste persists for an extended period (several weeks or longer), or if you notice other symptoms such as swelling, pain, or lesions in your mouth, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Persistent loss of taste could be an indication of an underlying health condition that needs attention.
Other reasons that could cause a loss of taste
While vape tongue is a common cause of reduced taste perception among vapers, it’s important to consider other potential factors:
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COVID-19
The loss of taste and smell is a well-documented symptom of COVID-19.
If you experience a sudden and significant loss of taste, it’s wise to get tested for COVID-19, especially if you have other symptoms like fever or a cough.
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Neurological conditions
Conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Bell’s palsy, or even a stroke can affect your sense of taste.
These neurological issues can impair the communication between taste buds and the brain.
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Vitamin deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12, zinc, or vitamin D can impact taste perception.
Maintaining a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients is crucial for optimal sensory function.
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Age-related changes
As people age, their sense of taste can diminish naturally.
This gradual loss can make flavours seem less intense, even if you’re not experiencing vape tongue.
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Exposure to environmental toxins
Certain chemicals, pollutants, or workplace exposure to toxic substances can affect the sense of taste.
If you suspect an environmental cause, take steps to reduce exposure.
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Final thoughts
Vape tongue is a common but usually temporary issue that affects many vapers.
The condition often results from flavour fatigue, dehydration, or other lifestyle factors, and can be managed by rotating flavours, staying hydrated, and practising good oral hygiene.
While most cases of vape tongue resolve within days, persistent symptoms may warrant medical attention to rule out other underlying causes.
Understanding vape tongue and its potential causes can help vapers take proactive steps to prevent and resolve it. If you continue to experience a loss of taste, consider other potential factors, including illnesses, medication side effects, or neurological conditions, and seek medical advice if necessary.
For more information on quitting smoking or vaping and living a healthier life, visit Allen Carr’s Easyway.
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