Are ZYNs Bad for Your Gums? Nicotine Pouches & Oral Health

Currently, there is little research on the relationship between nicotine pouch use and gum health. Most available data come from studies that directly focus on cigarettes and oral tobacco products. 

ZYN and other nicotine pouches are much different, since they are both combustion- and tobacco-free, which results in considerably lower levels of toxic compounds than snus, chew, dip, or cigarettes. A reduced-risk product, however, is not necessarily a risk-free one. 

Are nicotine pouches bad for your gums or teeth? Possibly. Although the actual degree of risk remains unknown, some researchers have identified potential oral health concerns stemming from ZYN use. Please note that many of the correlations and conclusions presented in the research are speculative.

Do ZYNs cause gum disease?

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an infection in the soft tissues that hold the teeth in place. Gingivitis is the mildest and most manageable form, but it can develop into periodontitis (an irreversible condition) if untreated.

Smokers have a much higher risk of gum disease than non-smokers. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked, and the cases are often more severe. Of course, most of the health concerns associated with cigarettes do not apply to nicotine pouches, as these two products vastly differ in toxicity. However, they do share a common denominator: nicotine. 

Nicotine and cytotoxicity

Cytotoxicity refers to the damage a substance inflicts on cells. Nicotine has been shown to induce cytotoxic effects, depending on the concentration.

A review of 42 in vitro studies suggests that the levels of nicotine in cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like nicotine gum seem unlikely to be cytotoxic to periodontal and gingival cells in humans. The authors do, however, pose the possibility that cytotoxicity from smokeless tobacco may be possible due to increased saliva levels. This likely refers to chewing or dipping tobacco, which significantly increases saliva production.

It is worth noting that these studies merely exposed cells to nicotine in a laboratory, rather than testing results in a living human. Unique variables associated with different nicotine delivery methods (smoking, vaping, oral use, etc.) were not accounted for, and such studies should always be viewed skeptically.

Nicotine and inflammation

Another report suggests that nicotine is capable of deteriorating periodontal tissue by impairing inflammatory responses. Cytokines (signaling proteins) help control inflammation by mediating responses to invading bacteria. Nicotine has been shown to alter cytokine levels in mice, which may hinder their anti-inflammatory function.

Other researchers claim the evidence for inflammatory mediator impairment is “limited and contradictory.” A possible explanation for this contradiction may be that nicotine seems to exhibit both pro- and anti-inflammatory impacts on periodontitis, with the latter occurring at lower dosages.

Nicotine and vasoconstriction

Nicotine is often associated with gum disease due to its vasoconstrictive effects. The constriction of blood vessels reduces the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to the gums. This may promote and exacerbate gum disease by impairing the body’s ability to resist and eradicate infection. 

Does ZYN cause gum recession?

Gum recession (also known as gingival recession) occurs when gum tissue supporting the teeth retracts or wears away. Symptoms include sensitivity in newly exposed areas, and even loose teeth in some severe cases.

While undetermined, some snus studies indicate that ZYN may potentially cause or worsen gum recession. A common side effect of frequent snus use is localized gingival recession in the area where the pouch is often parked.

Unlike snus, however, ZYN contains no tobacco, so this isn’t a perfect comparison. Tobacco products—even smokeless varieties—carry unique risks. However, despite this fundamental difference, snus and ZYN share many similarities:

• Both contain nicotine, pH balancers, preservatives, and (sometimes) flavorings
• They are administered in the same manner, and with similar frequency and duration of use 
• Both use similar pouch materials (a non-woven fleece made from natural fibers)

Considering their similarities, one might expect these products to share a few side effects. The vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine, as previously mentioned, may play a role in gum recession. Also, while more research is needed, there are oral health concerns regarding the pouch material (irritation from friction against the gums) and flavorings.

Nicotine pouches and gum health conclusions

While unconfirmed, the data suggest that nicotine pouches may pose gum health risks for the following reasons:

• Nicotine can be cytotoxic (cause cell death) at higher concentrations
• Nicotine is capable of both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the concentration level (and under different conditions)
• Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which may promote and exacerbate gum disease and recession
• Gum recession is a known side effect of snus, which shares some similarities with nicotine pouches
• There are concerns that other ZYN ingredients (such as flavorings) could negatively impact oral health

Although it’s unlikely that ZYNs are a direct cause of gum disease, those with poor gum health would be advised to proceed with caution. The pouch material may induce further irritation and inflammation, and the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine could hinder gum circulation.