What You Should Know About Oral Nicotine Pouches and Your Oral Health

Key takeaways about Oral Nicotine Pouches and oral health:

• Although they’re marketed as safer, Oral Nicotine Pouches can still cause gum irritation, dry mouth, and ulcers.
• Oral Nicotine Pouches may contain harmful chemicals, lead to nicotine addiction, and raise heart and cancer risks.
• Because nicotine pouches are relatively new, there’s limited research on their long-term health impacts, but the existing evidence suggests substantial risks.

If you’ve been to a gas station recently, you’ve probably seen the smokeless nicotine product called Zyns. These “smokeless and spitless” nicotine pouches have recently gained popularity in the general public, thanks in part to social media. In fact, between 2019 and 2022, nicotine pouches saw a 641 percent increase in sales.

Although these products are marketed as safer alternatives to traditional tobacco products, the reality is they can still negatively impact your oral health.

What are Oral Nicotine Pouches?

Zyns are a brand of smokeless, tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches made with plant-based fibers, flavorings, and nicotine. They’re placed between the gums and lips, delivering nicotine to the bloodstream without combustion or inhalation.

They’re designed to provide a discreet way to consume nicotine without smoke or vapor. Because they don’t involve inhalation, many users assume they’re harmless, but that’s not entirely true.

Potential oral health risks associated with Oral Nicotine Pouches

Even without tobacco, Oral Nicotine Pouches can still affect your mouth in the following ways:

Gum irritation

Placing Oral Nicotine Pouches against your gums can cause localized irritation. Over time, this can lead to gum recession. There have even been documented cases in which nicotine pouch users experienced severe gum lesions that exposed the tooth root.

Dry mouth

Nicotine reduces saliva production, which can lead to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and protecting teeth from decay. Dry mouth can lead to more serious oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease.

Mouth ulcers

People who use Oral Nicotine Pouches often experience redness, inflammation, swelling, and ulcers, especially in the area where the pouches are placed. Mouth ulcers can be painful and may make everyday activities like talking, eating, and drinking difficult.

Note: If you experience a mouth ulcer that doesn’t go away on its own within two weeks, it’s important to contact your dentist for further evaluation.

The impact of Oral Nicotine Pouches on overall health

While oral nicotine pouches like Zyns don’t contain tobacco, they’re far from harmless. These products can include other harmful substances, such as heavy metals and formaldehyde, that pose serious health risks. Beyond that, regular use can lead to nicotine dependence, which carries its own set of dangers.

Nicotine not only harms oral and dental health, but it also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and may contribute to cancer development as well. Additionally, the use of oral nicotine pouches may contribute to a higher risk of smoking or transitioning to other tobacco products. The use of tobacco products is well known to increase the risk of developing different types of cancer.

As for whether Oral Nicotine Pouches directly increase cancer risk, the answer remains unclear. These products are relatively new, and there simply isn’t enough long-term research yet to fully understand their impact.

What we do know, however, is that the potential risks are significant and worth considering before using them.

Bottom line: It’s best to avoid Oral Nicotine Pouches and other oral nicotine pouches

Zyns and other oral nicotine pouch products may seem like a better alternative to smoking, but they’re not risk-free. Understanding their impact on your oral health can help you make an informed decision.

If you’re concerned about nicotine dependence or gum health, consult your dentist or a healthcare professional.