Vapers Tongue: Symptoms and How to Get Rid of It

Ever had your favourite vape flavour suddenly taste like… nothing?

If you’ve been vaping for a while, you might have experienced a weird phenomenon where your favourite e-liquid flavour just doesn’t taste the same — or at all. Don’t worry, your device isn’t broken, and your taste buds haven’t vanished. This is called vaper’s tongue, and it’s more common than you think.

But what exactly is it, and how do you fix it?

What Is Vaper’s Tongue?

Vaper’s tongue is a temporary loss of taste perception that can happen to frequent vapers. It’s mostly caused by sensory fatigue, meaning your taste buds and olfactory receptors (which help you smell) get overstimulated by the same flavour over and over again.

Think of it like listening to your favourite song on repeat — eventually, it loses its magic. Your brain gets so used to the flavour that it stops recognising it as intensely.

The good news? It’s not permanent! Depending on how quickly you take action, it can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. Experienced vaper's tongue can be managed with tips from the community, such as drinking carbonated water, using strong flavours like menthol, and employing tongue scrapers.

Causes of Vaper’s Tongue

Vaper’s tongue can be a real buzzkill, but understanding its causes can help you tackle it head-on. Here are some common culprits:

1. Desensitisation of taste buds: Vaping the same e-liquid flavour day in and day out can desensitise your taste buds. Just like listening to your favourite song on repeat, your taste buds can get so used to the flavour that they stop noticing it.
2. Dry mouth: Vaping can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva is crucial for breaking down flavour molecules and transporting them to your taste buds. Without enough saliva, your sense of taste can take a hit.
3. Damaged taste buds: Sub-ohm vaping, which involves using low-resistance coils and high wattages, can sometimes damage your taste buds. This can lead to a temporary loss of taste.
4. Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting your oral hygiene can contribute to vaper’s tongue. Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to a buildup of bacteria on your tongue and in your mouth, dulling your sense of taste.
5. Dehydration: Your body needs water to function properly, and that includes your taste buds. Vaping can exacerbate dehydration, especially if you’re not drinking enough water, leading to a diminished sense of taste.
6. Smoking: If you’re a smoker or have recently quit, your sense of taste and smell might be compromised. Smoking can damage your taste buds and olfactory receptors, making it harder to enjoy your favourite vape flavours.
7. Illnesses and medications: Certain illnesses and medications can affect your sense of taste. If you’re feeling under the weather or taking new meds, they might be the reason your e-liquid tastes off.
8. E-liquid degradation: Over time, e-liquids can degrade, especially if they’re not stored properly. This can lead to a loss of flavour, contributing to vaper’s tongue.
9. Head injuries and vitamin deficiencies: Head injuries and deficiencies in vitamins like B12 can also play a role in vaper’s tongue. If you suspect this might be the case, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Signs You Might Have Vaper’s Tongue and Dry Mouth

Wondering if you’re dealing with vaper’s tongue? Here are the common symptoms:

✔ Muted or no flavour – Your favourite e-liquid suddenly tastes bland, especially your favourite flavour.

✔ Dry mouth – Vaping can reduce saliva production, making things feel a bit off.

✔ Thick or coated tongue – A slight buildup might make flavours seem dull.

✔ Burning or tingling sensation – Some vapers experience mild irritation.

✔ Weakened sense of smell – Since taste and smell are connected, both can be affected.

✔ More frequent puffs – You might find yourself vaping more to “chase” the flavour.

Sound familiar? Here’s how to bring your taste buds back to life!

How to Get Rid of Vaper’s Tongue

• Stay hydrated – Water is your best friend. A dry mouth makes flavours seem weaker, so keep sipping throughout the day.
• Switch up your flavours – If you’ve been vaping the same e-liquid for weeks, try something new. A citrus, menthol, or coffee flavour might help “reset” your taste buds. Occasionally switching to strong flavours can also revive your taste sensations and prevent diminishing returns.
• Take a short break – Giving your taste buds a breather, even for a few hours, can help them recover faster.
• Clean your tongue – Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue when you brush your teeth to remove any buildup that might be dulling your sense of taste.
• Maintain good oral hygiene – Practicing good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can help mitigate the effects of vaper's tongue and maintain your overall dental health.
• Try unflavoured or menthol vape juice – Some vapers find that menthol can refresh their taste buds, while unflavoured vape juice gives them a break from strong tastes.
• Smell fresh coffee beans – Ever noticed how perfume shops offer coffee beans to reset your nose? It works for vaping, too!
• Chew sugar-free gum – Helps stimulate saliva production and can refresh your mouth.

Vape Tongue Burn – Damaged Taste Buds: What’s Going On?

Ever felt a slight burning or tingling on your tongue after vaping? That’s different from vaper’s tongue. It’s usually caused by:

• High nicotine levels – Stronger e-liquids can be a bit harsh.
• Too much PG (propylene glycol) – Some people find PG a little drying or irritating.
• Dehydration – Yep, again! Vaping can dry out your mouth, making it more sensitive.
• High-wattage vaping – Excessive heat can make vapour feel harsher on the tongue.

💡 Fix it by: lowering your wattage, switching to a smoother VG (Vegetable Glycerin)-dominant e-liquid, and drinking more water.

What Does Vaper’s Tongue Look Like?

Unlike other oral issues, vaper’s tongue doesn’t have a major physical sign. However, some vapers notice:

• A coated tongue – A thin white or yellow layer might appear due to dehydration.
• Mild inflammation – If your tongue feels irritated, it might be linked to vape tongue burn.
• No visible changes – Most of the time, the issue is purely sensory, not visual.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While vaper’s tongue is usually a temporary and harmless condition, there are times when it’s best to consult a doctor. Here’s when you should seek medical advice:

• Persistent loss of taste: If your sense of taste doesn’t return after a few days, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Persistent loss of taste could be a sign of an underlying issue.
• Severe dry mouth: If drinking water doesn’t relieve your dry mouth, it’s worth getting checked out. Severe dry mouth can lead to other oral health issues and might need medical intervention.
• Tongue pain or discomfort: Any pain or discomfort in your tongue that doesn’t go away should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It could be a sign of something more serious.
• Difficulty swallowing: If you’re having trouble swallowing, it’s important to seek medical attention. This could indicate a more significant health problem.
• Other symptoms: If you’re experiencing additional symptoms like fever, headache, or fatigue, it’s best to consult a doctor. These could be signs of an infection or other health issues.

It’s also important to note that vaper’s tongue can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If you have any of the following conditions, it’s especially important to seek medical advice:

1. Diabetes: Vaper’s tongue can be a symptom of diabetes, which affects your body’s ability to process sugar and can lead to dry mouth and taste issues.
2. Thyroid problems: Thyroid issues can affect your sense of taste and smell. If you have a thyroid condition, it’s worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
3. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins, like B12, can lead to taste problems. If you suspect a deficiency, a healthcare professional can help you address it.
4. Other medical conditions: Conditions like sinus infections, gum disease, and more can also contribute to vaper’s tongue. If you’re experiencing other symptoms, it’s best to get a thorough check-up.

In summary, while vaper’s tongue is usually a temporary inconvenience, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent loss of taste, severe dry mouth, tongue pain or discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or other concerning symptoms. Your health is worth it!

How to Avoid Vaper’s Tongue

Vaper’s tongue is annoying but temporary. The key is to stay hydrated, mix up your flavours, and give your taste buds some love. If the issue lasts more than two weeks, it might be worth checking in with a dentist or doctor.

In the meantime, why not experiment with a new flavour and keep your vaping experience fresh?