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The use of nicotine sachets, which is a popular alternative these days to smoking, brings many risks to oral health. Unlike cigarettes, nicotine sachets do not leave visible stains on the teeth. Yet they can seriously damage tooth enamel, gums and overall oral health. How do these little pouches affect teeth and what can be done to minimize their negative effects?
How do nicotine sachets damage teeth?
Irritation at the site of application:
Nicotine sachets are inserted under the upper or lower lip where they come into direct contact with the gums and teeth. At the point of application, the practitioner can often immediately notice characteristic signs such as significant damage to the tooth necks and rough enamel.
Acid content and action:
Most nicotine sachets contain acidthat cause leaching of calcium from tooth enamel. This leads to enamel weakening and in some cases even to the falling off of parts of the enamel. The result is increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of tooth decay.
Change in the microflora of the oral cavity:
The nicotine and chemicals in these sachets can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth. Altered microflora can contribute to gingivitis or the development of Leukoplakia (white plaques on the mucous membrane).
Tooth decay and general weakening of the teeth:
Prolonged use of the pouches leads to significant damage to the dental cartilage - the place where the tooth meets the gum. These areas become sensitive to cold, heat and sweet. If the patient does not undergo regular check-ups at the dentist, irreversible damage may occur in which the enamel falls off.
An example from our practice:
One example from our practice shows that neglecting dental care can lead to complete damage to the teeth. In a patient who had been using nicotine sachets for a long time, the damage was so severe that every tooth had to be treated, drilled, as tooth remineralisation pastes were no longer sufficient.
How to minimize damage?
Dental hygiene: Use gum protection pastes such as Curaseptthat help prevent inflammation.
Rinse your mouth immediately: After using the sachet, rinse your mouth with water to remove any acid residue.
Use remineralising pastes: Products like GC Tooth Mousse (containing hydroxyapatite) can help restore weakened enamel. The paste is applied at night and is not rinsed off.
Checks at the dentistA: Regular visits to the dentist are key to checking the condition of your enamel and addressing damage in a timely manner.
Although nicotine sachets do not visibly stain teeth, their effect on tooth enamel and gums is undeniable. If you use them, you should be aware of the risks and take extra care oral hygiene. However, the best solution is to consider limiting or eliminating them altogether to protect your oral health.
Majdent Clinic is here for you! Feel free to contact us and together we will protect your smile.
