“Vape tongue” refers to the temporary loss of taste that some vapers experience after prolonged use. Vape tongue can happen when a person vapes the same flavor for too long, which can fatigue and desensitize your taste buds. If your favorite vape juice has suddenly lost its flavor, then you could be experiencing vape tongue.

Some studies have shown that smoking can kill taste buds by altering the blood supply your taste buds are getting. While we need more research to understand the impact of vaping on taste buds and vape tongue in general, the good news is it’s not permanent. So if you have vape tongue, fear not, there are steps you can take to regain your sense of taste and heal your taste buds pretty quickly.

Vape tongue can come on gradually or all at once, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Loss of taste: The most noticeable sign is the sudden inability to taste flavors when vaping. If you’re a chef , foodie, or like to cook, you may also have difficulty tasting or differentiating certain flavors in food.

• Numb tongue: Some people report their tongues feeling slightly numb, as if their taste buds have stopped working.

• Difficulty tolerating the same flavors: Even if you can still taste to some extent, you may find that your favorite vape flavor now feels unpleasant or overwhelming.

While vape tongue is a common reason for experiencing a loss of taste, it’s not the only one. Other factors that can affect your sense of taste include:

• Cold & flu : Congestion and mucus buildup can block your ability to taste, as these conditions interfere with both smell and taste.

• Vitamin deficiency : A lack of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and zinc, can affect taste sensation.

• Aging : As we age, our sense of taste naturally diminishes, which can make flavors seem dull or muted.

COVID-19 : A hallmark symptom of COVID-19 has been the loss of taste and smell, and some people may experience lingering effects even after recovery.

Several factors contribute to the development of vape tongue:

• Heavy usage of intensely flavored vape juice : Vaping the same strong flavor for an extended period can fatigue your tastebuds, making it difficult to enjoy that flavor, or any other.

• Poor oral health : Plaque buildup, gum disease, and other oral health issues can impair your ability to taste properly.

• Lack of saliva : Saliva is essential for taste, as it helps to dissolve the chemicals in food or vapor, making them detectable to your taste buds. When your mouth is dry, your ability to taste is diminished.

The good news is that vape tongue is temporary. For most people, it lasts anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. But, in some cases, it can persist for up to a week, especially if the underlying causes—such as poor oral hygiene or dehydration—aren’t addressed.

• Fight cravings with Jones NRT mints : Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you manage cravings. Jones mints come in 2mg and 4mg options to help reduce nicotine dependence gradually.
  
  
• Get support : The Jones app also provides access to a community of others who are quitting vaping, so you can share tips, stay motivated, and feel supported.
  
  
• Tell your friends and family : Letting the people around you know that you’re quitting can help keep you accountable and increase your chances of success.

Vape tongue is annoying, but it can be prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes:

• Maintain good oral health : Brush your teeth and tongue regularly, and consider using a mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.
  
  

• Hydrate consistently : Keep your mouth and body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
  
  

• Take vape breaks : Avoid vaping too frequently to give your taste buds a break.
  
  

• Rotate vape juice flavors : Switching between different flavors can prevent your taste buds from becoming fatigued.
  
  

• Vape unflavored e-juice : Using an unflavored vape liquid can help reset your taste buds.
  
  

• Try mentholated or cooling flavors : Menthol or mint-flavored vape juice can refresh your palate and prevent fatigue.
  
  

• Choose a flavor you don’t love : If you use a flavor you’re not particularly fond of, you may vape less, which can reduce your chances of developing vape tongue.

If you’re struggling to cut back on vaping, Jones mints can help reduce your nicotine intake, making it easier to avoid vape tongue.

While many ingredients in vape liquids are labeled “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , this designation primarily applies to ingestion, not inhalation. The primary ingredients — propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin — are considered safe to eat, but when they’re heated and inhaled, their chemical composition can change.

When you vape, the liquid containing nicotine and other chemical additives is heated to create an aerosol, which is then inhaled. This process can lead to unknown chemical changes that haven’t been fully evaluated for safety.

More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of inhaling these substances. However, one study by the University of North Carolina found that these two ingredients can be toxic to cells and that the more ingredients in an e-liquid, the greater the toxicity.

Vape tongue can be scary and frustrating, but it’s a temporary condition that can be resolved by taking a break from vaping and adopting healthier habits — or quitting altogether. It’s also a good reminder that even though you don’t always see it, vaping is harmful to your health. If you’re looking for ways to cut back or quit vaping, Jones NRT mints and the Jones app can support your journey with judgment-free, personalized guidance.