Do Nicotine Pouches Cause Gum Recession?
Nicotine pouches have become a popular alternative to traditional tobacco products. While they are marketed as a safer option, there is growing interest in understanding their impact on oral health, particularly regarding gum recession.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches are smokeless, products that contain nicotine and other ingredients such as vegetable filling and flavourings. They are placed between the gum and lip, delivering nicotine through the oral mucosa.
Potential Oral Health Effects
The article “Nicotine pouches: A Review for the Dental Team” in the British Dental Journal provides insights into the possible effects of these products on oral health. However, the most important piece to unpack from the article is the fact that there is a severe lack of comprehensive studies on the long-term effects of nicotine pouches on oral health. More research is needed to determine their impact, particularly on the gums conclusively.
The main points include:
- Mouth Soreness and Ulcers: Users of nicotine pouches may experience minor side effects such as mouth soreness and ulcers. These issues are typically localized to the area where the pouch is placed.
- Gingival Recession: There is a concern that nicotine pouches might cause localized gingival recession. This is primarily due to the constant placement of the pouch in one spot, which could irritate the gum tissue over time.
- Caries Risk: Nicotine pouches are unlikely to significantly increase the risk of dental caries. This is because they contain artificial sweeteners instead of sugars, reducing the potential for tooth decay.
- Need for Further Research: The article emphasizes the lack of comprehensive studies on the long-term effects of nicotine patches on oral health.
Our Opinion as Long-Term Users
As the references mention, there is a lack of research and we are not medical experts. However, we have been using these products ourselves for a long time so we would like to share our honest experience. In our experience with nicotine pouches and tobacco snus, we have found that nicotine pouches by far have been safer in terms of overall oral health. Our team members have reported that since switching to tobacco-free variations they have stopped experiencing tooth discolouration and less painful gums.
Our Experience with Nicotine Pouches, Snus and Gum Recession
Our only team member who has used real tobacco snus for the past twelve years has reported some tooth weakness and gum recession which recently resulted in a chipped tooth. The rest of us (who have been using only tobacco-free nicotine pouches) have not shared the same experience. However, we have only been using these products for 2-3 years now.
In regards to gum recession, in our experience, we have not used the product long enough to determine whether this is observable in ourselves. However, one observation that can be made and one we have collectively agreed upon is that the stronger the nicotine pouch the harsher it is usually on the gums. We have observed that products exceeding 20mg per gram tend to be harsher on the gums than lower strength products, but please note many other factors such as the Ph levels of the pouch, paper thickness and flavourings used affect how it will feel on the gum.
Conclusion
While nicotine pouches may offer a lower-risk alternative to traditional tobacco products, there are concerns about their impact on oral health, especially regarding gum recession. Users should be aware of potential minor side effects like mouth soreness and ulcers. Given the current lack of comprehensive studies, it is crucial to monitor any changes in oral health and consult with dental professionals if issues arise.
