Let’s talk about something that’s probably brought you here: vapes exploding in the mouth. You’ve seen the headlines. A bloke in Manchester loses teeth. Teen suffers burns. Your mate’s cousin knows someone who knows someone. Before you bin your vape and crawl back to fags, let’s have a proper chat about what’s actually going on.
The Truth About Vapes Exploding in the Mouth
Vapes exploding in the mouth can happen. But so can getting struck by lightning whilst holding a winning lottery ticket. The actual numbers tell a different story than the Daily Mail would have you believe. Out of millions of vapers across the UK, serious incidents are incredibly rare. We’re talking single digits per year in most cases. Your chances of having a dodgy disposable explode are far lower than your chances of getting food poisoning from that kebab shop you love. Does that mean ignore it completely? But it does mean we can approach this sensibly.
Why Do Vapes Actually Explode?
When we talk about vapes exploding in the mouth, we’re really talking about lithium-ion batteries going into what’s called “thermal runaway.” Fancy term for “the battery gets properly angry and vents aggressively.” Think of it like this: your battery is a can of fizzy drink. Normally, everything’s contained and controlled. But if you shake it violently, drop it off a building, or stab it with a fork (don’t do that), things get messy fast.
The Main Culprits
Dodgy batteries are the culprit number one:
- Fake or counterfeit products with rubbish quality control
- Damaged batteries that look fine on the outside
- Batteries past their best-before date (yes, they have one)
- Mixing and matching chargers that aren’t compatible
User error comes in second:
- Carrying loose batteries with keys or coins (they short circuit)
- Overcharging devices overnight, every night
- Using your vape whilst it’s plugged in (genuinely risky)
- Modifying devices when you don’t know what you’re doing
Manufacturing defects round out the top three:
- Poor quality control at factories
- Substandard materials to save pennies
- No proper safety certifications
The Disposable Vape Problem
Let’s be honest: most stories about vapes exploding in the mouth involve disposable vapes. Why? Because the market’s flooded with cheap knock-offs. That £4 disposable from your corner shop might seem like a bargain. But if it’s not got proper UK certification, you’re essentially vaping with a mystery device. No quality checks. No accountability. Just fingers crossed and hope for the best. Properly regulated disposables from known brands are far safer. They’ve been tested. They meet standards. They’re not perfect, but they’re leagues ahead of counterfeits.
How to Spot a Risky Vape
Before we chat about vapes exploding in the mouth, you need to know what to avoid:
Red flags that scream “bin me now”:
- No branding or suspiciously familiar “brands” you’ve never heard of
- Packaging with spelling mistakes (seriously, check it)
- No batch numbers or safety information
- Price that’s half what everywhere else charges
- Feels lighter or flimsier than it should
- Gets unusually hot during normal use
Your vape shouldn’t make weird sounds. It shouldn’t smell like burning plastic. If something feels off, trust your gut.
Real Ways to Prevent Vapes from Exploding in the Mouth
Right, practical advice time. This is how you actually protect yourself:
Buy Smart
- Stick to established brands like Vaporesso, SMOK, Voopoo, or Aspire
- Shop at proper vape shops, not random corner stores
- Check for CE and UKCA markings on packaging
- Read actual reviews from real people (not just five-star spam)
Handle Properly
- Never carry loose batteries in your pocket with metal objects
- Use the right charger for your specific device
- Don’t leave your vape charging overnight
- Store batteries at room temperature, not in hot cars
- Replace batteries every 6-12 months for regular devices
Watch for Warning Signs
- Battery wraps that are torn or damaged
- The device gets hot to the touch during normal use
- Funny smells or tastes
- The battery drains way faster than it used to
- Any visible damage to the device
Basic Battery Care
Keep your device clean. Sounds simple, but e-liquid in the charging port can cause shorts. Wipe it down regularly. Don’t let gunk build up.
What About Refillable Vapes vs Disposables?
Refillable vapes from quality brands are generally safer than disposables when it comes to vapes exploding in the mouth. Because you can inspect them. You can replace the battery. You can maintain them properly. That £30 starter kit from a reputable manufacturer has proper safety features built in. Disposables are sealed units. When something goes wrong, you’ve got no warning. With a refillable, you can spot dodgy batteries before they become a problem.
The Media Factor
The media loves a good “vapes exploding in the mouth” story. It gets clicks. It terrifies parents. It keeps people reading. But they rarely mention:
- How rare these incidents actually are
- Whether the device was genuine or counterfeit
- If the user was doing something risky
- The millions of people who vape safely every day
I’m not saying ignore the risks. I’m saying keep perspective. Cigarettes kill 78,000 people per year in the UK. Vaping injuries? A handful annually, mostly preventable.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If your vape starts hissing, smoking, or getting hot, here’s what to do:
Immediate actions:
- Get it away from your face immediately
- Put it on a non-flammable surface
- Don’t try to charge it or use it again
- If it’s smoking, let it finish venting (don’t throw water on lithium)
- Open windows for ventilation
If you’ve been injured by a vape exploding in the mouth, get medical attention. Don’t mess about. Burns from battery chemicals need proper treatment. Report the incident to Trading Standards. It helps get dangerous products off shelves.
Final Thought
Can vapes explode in your mouth? Technically yes. Will they? Almost certainly not if you’re not being daft. The risk of vapes exploding in the mouth shouldn’t send you back to smoking. That’s like avoiding cars because they might crash. Smart precautions work better than fear. And if you’re still worried? Stick to well-known brands from proper vape shops. They’ve got reputations to protect. Your safety is literally their business model.
