Nicotine pouches are small, pre-portioned bags containing nicotine and other ingredients, but no tobacco leaf. Users place these pouches between their gum and lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mouth’s lining. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are common, painful oral lesions. This article explores the relationship between nicotine pouch use and canker sores.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small, painful open sores that develop inside the mouth. They typically appear as a white or yellowish center surrounded by a bright red border. These ulcers can form on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, or at the base of the gums, often making eating and talking uncomfortable.
While harmless and not contagious, canker sores can be triggered by various factors. These include minor mouth injuries, such as from dental work or accidentally biting the cheek. Other common causes are emotional stress, certain food sensitivities (like acidic foods), hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies in vitamins like B-12, iron, or folic acid. Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks.
How Nicotine Pouches May Affect Oral Health
Nicotine pouches can contribute to canker sores or general oral irritation due to their physical presence and chemical composition. Continuous contact of the pouch material against the delicate oral lining can cause physical irritation. Keeping the pouch in the same spot for extended periods can lead to localized tissue irritation and changes in the oral mucosa.
Beyond physical abrasion, ingredients within nicotine pouches can chemically irritate the mouth. Pouches contain nicotine, flavorings, sweeteners, fillers, and pH adjusters. Flavorings, particularly acidic ones like citrus or strong cooling agents like menthol, can be harsh on oral tissues. pH adjusters, such as sodium carbonate, create an alkaline environment for nicotine absorption, but excessively high alkalinity can also irritate the mouth.
Nicotine itself, while not a direct cause of canker sores, can contribute to oral issues. It is a vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow to gum tissues. This decreased blood flow can impair oral tissues’ ability to heal, making them more susceptible to injury and inflammation. Nicotine can also stimulate pro-inflammatory responses, potentially worsening gum inflammation.
Some ingredients may also contribute to dry mouth, which reduces saliva production. Reduced saliva can exacerbate irritation and increase the risk of oral health issues.
Addressing Canker Sores and Oral Discomfort
When experiencing canker sores or oral discomfort potentially related to nicotine pouch use, several strategies offer relief. For temporary pain management, over-the-counter remedies like oral rinses or topical gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine can numb the affected area. Rinsing the mouth with saltwater or a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water, followed by dabbing with Milk of Magnesia, may also help clean the sore and provide comfort. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as these can further irritate the sore.
Behavioral adjustments related to nicotine pouch use can also be beneficial. Temporarily discontinuing pouch use, especially if irritation persists, allows oral tissues time to heal. Exploring different brands or flavors might help identify and avoid specific ingredients that cause sensitivity. Changing the pouch’s placement within the mouth can prevent continuous irritation to a single area. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing with a soft brush and flossing, is important for overall oral health and can prevent further irritation.
Seek professional medical advice if canker sores are unusually large, extremely painful, or persist for more than two weeks. A visit to a dentist or doctor is also recommended if new sores develop before old ones heal, if outbreaks are frequent, or if the sores are accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty eating or drinking. These could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring evaluation.