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Some e-cigarette smokers report a loss of taste. Across the Atlantic, this somewhat particular phenomenon even has a name, the “vape tongue” (Vape Tongue). Although these effects are temporary, they can be bothersome to say the least.
In the United States, a side effect of electronic cigarettes is making headlines: the loss or significant reduction in taste. Although this “vape tongue” seems to disappear some time after users stop vaping, healthcare professionals urge vigilance.
Beware of loss of taste or ageusia!
When one completely loses the taste, in medical language, one speaks of ageusia. With the tongue of vape, the taste is rather diminished, but not totally absent. This loss of taste renders affected individuals unable to detect a full range of flavors. And the flavors experienced can be bland or felt very weakly, like muted.
The cause is not known, although several hypotheses have been put forward. “Vape tongue” may be caused by a dry mouth, related to the components of the liquid used in vapes. Whatever the cause, this side effect is likely chemical in nature, experts say.
Health professionals warn on social networks
Faced with this phenomenon, dentists and other health professionals are speaking out on social networks to warn the general public.
Experts therefore recommend stopping or drastically reducing e-cigarettes if you experience this alteration or loss of taste.
To our colleagues at Healthline, Dr. Benjamin Chaffee, professor at the School of Dentistry at the University of California at San Francisco indicates that he “There is currently no reliable evidence to know how common this effect is or to explain the mechanisms that cause it. This is another example of the many things we don’t know about how vaping affects the body. That’s a reason to do more research on the subject and a good reason to use these products with caution.”.