We often hear how traditional cigarettes cause lung cancer, breathing problems and a variety of other health issues, but rarely is it discussed how they alter two very important senses: taste and smell. Does smoking affect your sense of smell and taste? This is what we’re going to investigate in this article. I don't know about you, but smelling beautiful spring flowers and my favorite perfume are important to me. Not to mention tasting a juicy steak or chocolate ice cream!

So, does smoking kill taste buds? Yes, WebMD talks about how cigarettes basically change the shape of your taste buds, saying they become flatter over time, and alters your ability to taste. There have been studies conducted a while ago regarding this side effect, but more recent studies showing why cigarettes affect our senses so terribly are desperately needed.

Many believe that the heavy amount of nicotine found in analog cigarettes is the main culprit. The thousands of other chemicals found in cigarettes are also believed to cause this altering of our senses.

There are four basic tastes that a person experiences: sweet, sour, bitter and salty. These tastes are dulled when you smoke. Loss of taste after smoking is fairly common. While you still may be able to taste salty pretzels, it is not to the degree that you would be able to as a non-smoker.

As far as smell, when you inhale and exhale smoke through your nose, the olfactory nerves located in the back of your nose are affected.  This causes your sense of smell to be dulled.  The longer you smoke, the more damage is done to these nerves.

According to the American Council on Science and Health, smokers are twice as likely to lose their sense of smell and taste compared to non-smokers.  

The good news is that yes, you can!  While it may take a long time to reduce some of the other issues that smoking causes, it typically only takes a few days to a few months before you begin noticing a change in your senses of taste and smell.

Does smoking permanently damage your taste buds? Well taste buds after quitting smoking can return to normal. Same with your sense of smell. For most people, it only takes about 48 hours for nerve endings to begin to grow back. If you have been smoking for years, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you've been missing! Maybe now you can taste and smell some of your favorite things.

If you're a smoker and are unsure whether these senses have been altered or not, a physician can actually test you to find out.  An endoscope can be inserted into your nasal passages to view your nose and see what has been damaged and to what degree. 

The best step you can take to regain your beloved sense of smell and taste is switching to a smoking alternative such as a South Beach electronic cigarette.  We have a variety of starter kits to help you begin your journey into vaping. We also offer a variety of incredible flavors from classic and bold tobacco to smoother tobacco and refreshing menthol. Explore our site to view our whole collection and discover what may be most suitable for you!