Many people wonder whether nicotine pouches are safe to use or whether they are bad for your gums. Unfortunately, just like cigarettes, nicotine pouches or smokeless tobacco can lead to oral cancer and other health complications.
If you are a user, it is crucial to understand that tobacco dependence is nicotine addiction, and it may be physical, psychological, or behavioral. It takes a few tries before you quit the cold turkey successfully, but switching to alternate tobacco habits does little good!
Nicotine Pouches Side Effects
Using nicotine pouches regularly increases the risk of leukoplakia in the mouth. They are grey-white patches and appear where the user places their chew, dip, or pouch. Unfortunately, these patches are irreversible. They are painless and pose no complications, but regular use may result in severe gum disease, oral cancer, or leukoplakia.
The users also experience receding gum lines, bad breath, destroyed gum tissues along with tooth decay and cavities. The shrinking gums expose the root of the tooth, which may result in tooth loss.
Several manufacturers claim that their smokeless tobacco product can help people quit smoking, and many people buy their product following this belief. There is no proof of this, and there has been very little thorough research in this area. Even if this is true, the damage to your oral and overall health remains the same.
Conclusion
Nicotine restricts your blood vessels and blood flow, which will have a negative impact on the health of your gums. Because of this, anyone who uses nicotine is likely to experience gum recession, which can eventually lead to other severe oral health issues depending on the dose of nicotine and the duration of exposure. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is time to switch to a low-nicotine product and work your way towards quitting the habit!
If you have any questions about your dental health, Snow Family Dentistry offers a wide range of solutions and consultations. For us, your smile matters!
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