Vapers tongue: what is it?
Vaper’s tongue, also known as vaper’s fatigue, is a temporary condition that affects some vapers. It refers to a diminished or altered sense of taste, where vapers experience a loss of flavor or the inability to taste e-liquids properly. This condition can make vaping less enjoyable and affect the overall vaping experience.
The exact cause of vaper’s tongue is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development. One common cause is olfactory fatigue, where the smell receptors in the nose become desensitized to specific flavors over time. Dehydration can also play a role, as a dry mouth can affect taste perception. Other factors such as smoking history, certain medications, or the buildup of residue on the tongue can also contribute to vaper’s tongue.
Fortunately, vaper’s tongue is typically temporary and resolves on its own.
Why you’re not getting flavor from your vape？
We have between 2,000 to 8,000 taste buds in our mouth, and fortunately, they regenerate every ten days, ensuring our ability to taste. However, vaping can sometimes lead to a dry mouth, reducing saliva production. Without enough saliva, the ability to taste is significantly diminished. This is because the gustatory sense, responsible for taste, relies on saliva to keep taste buds functioning properly.
Flavor fatigue is another factor that can contribute to “vape tongue,” where you may not taste your e-juice as well. Overexposure to a particular flavor can desensitize the olfactory sense, which affects our ability to perceive aromas. The olfactory sense, or sense of smell, works in conjunction with taste buds to create the full experience of flavor. In fact, smell accounts for up to 70% of our perceived flavor.
Additionally, if you are a smoker or have recently quit smoking, it can impact your ability to taste. Research suggests that smoking can affect taste perception. If you have recently quit smoking, it may take some time for your taste buds to fully recover. It is generally advised to allow up to a month from the time of quitting for taste sensitivity to improve.
In summary, vape tongue can be attributed to a dry mouth caused by vaping, flavor fatigue from prolonged exposure to certain flavors, and the impact of smoking on taste perception. While the regeneration of taste buds and giving your taste buds a break from specific flavors may help, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary.
9 ways to get rid of vaper’s tongue
- Stay Hydrated: Keeping yourself well-hydrated helps maintain proper saliva production, which is essential for taste perception. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth.
- Switch Flavors: Trying different e-liquid flavors can help reset your taste buds. Opt for flavors that are significantly different from what you’ve been vaping to provide a fresh sensory experience.
- Cleanse Your Palate: Clear your palate by eating something strong-flavored or using mouthwash. Mint, lemon, or ginger can help stimulate your taste buds and restore your ability to taste.
- Vary Your Vaping Routine: Consider changing your vaping routine by adjusting your wattage, temperature, or airflow settings. Experimenting with different vaping techniques may help reinvigorate your taste buds.
- Take a Break from Vaping: Giving your taste buds a rest from vaping can be beneficial. Take short breaks or reduce the frequency of your vaping sessions to allow your taste buds to recover.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth, tongue, and gums regularly helps remove any residue that may impact your sense of taste. Using a tongue scraper can also aid in eliminating buildup on the tongue.
- Use Strong Flavors or Menthol: Vaping strong flavors or menthol-based e-liquids can provide a more pronounced sensory experience and help reset your taste buds.
- Avoid Vaping Desensitizing Flavors: If you’ve been vaping a particular flavor for an extended period, consider taking a break from it. Desensitization to specific flavors can contribute to vaper’s tongue, so diversifying your flavor choices can be beneficial.
- Allow Time for Recovery: Sometimes, vaper’s tongue may resolve on its own with time. Be patient and give your taste buds the opportunity to regenerate, as they naturally renew themselves approximately every ten days.
What to do if vaper’s tongue persists？
If you are still experiencing vaper’s tongue despite trying the methods mentioned earlier, there might be another underlying factor to consider.
It is worth noting that approximately 70% of Americans currently take prescription drugs, and dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications. Medications commonly used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, allergies, colds, and various other illnesses can contribute to dry mouth. Additionally, cannabis products, particularly when vaped, can also cause a similar effect.
Even if you have never experienced dry mouth before, the combination of your medication and vaping could be the trigger. If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or dentist for further guidance and to explore potential solutions. They can provide insights specific to your situation and help address any concerns related to medication-induced dry mouth and its impact on your vaping experience.
