Humans only get one pair of teeth (baby teeth aside), so looking after them couldn’t be more critical. Since nicotine pouches are placed directly in the mouth, many users have concerns about how they could impact their oral health. So, does nicotine stain your teeth?
We’ll share what to expect when using nicotine pouches and the main culprits behind yellow teeth.
Does Nicotine Make Your Teeth Yellow?
Products like cigarettes can infamously stain the teeth, sometimes turning them yellow.
Some have speculated that nicotine could be responsible for this discoloration — while nicotine is generally colorless, oxygen in the air turns it yellow.
However, since nicotine is water-soluble and doesn’t stick to the teeth, this is unlikely to be a significant cause of stained teeth.
The Role of Tobacco
Instead, tobacco is the main culprit. Tar (which is created when tobacco is burned) and other chemical residues build up on the teeth, creating a yellow or brown color over time. Not only does this leave a filmy residue, but it can also wear away the tooth enamel's outside layer.
When the white part of the tooth gets thinner, it causes the next tooth layer (which is yellow) to show through. This means that, even if the outside part of the teeth is whitened, the wear and tear is irreversible.
Nicotine Pouches Effect on Teeth
Nicotine pouches offer a nicotine experience without the drawbacks of tobacco. This has helped them grow in popularity worldwide and become more widely available in the United States.
Since nicotine pouches are smoke-free and don’t contain any part of the tobacco plant, they’re a preferable choice for oral health. The absence of tar and chemical residues means they won’t stain the teeth or cause yellowing.
There’s no need to spit out the saliva created while using pouches either, so they’re also mess-free.
Is ZYN Bad for Your Teeth or Gums?
Many customers wonder, “does ZYN make your teeth yellow?”
Since ZYN is a nicotine pouch brand, all products are tobacco-free and don’t stain the teeth. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have zero negative impact on oral health.
ZYN and the Gums
To consume a nicotine pouch, users place it under the upper lip. This is effective because there are a lot of blood vessels to enable absorption, and because it’s a convenient place that isn’t noticeable to other people.
However, the placement of ZYNs here makes some customers concerned about the impact on gum health.
Some users find that the sensation of nicotine pouch materials can irritate the gums. The effect of nicotine pouches on the gums can be reduced by the following:
- Switching the nicotine pouch from one side of the mouth to the author
- Keeping the pouch firmly and correctly in place
- Trying different pouch materials, moisture level, and pouch formats
Any short-term discomfort will likely go away after taking a break from nicotine pouches.
Note that the long-term effects of the pouches are still unknown, as nicotine pouches are relatively new products.
Tips for Keeping Teeth White
There’s a bit of science involved in how teeth get their color. Despite what television might suggest, babies aren’t born with perfectly white teeth. Plus, two people may have different natural tooth shades, so the classic bright white smile isn’t a reality everyone can achieve (at least, not naturally).
Lifestyle choices, aging, and diseases can all play a role in changing teeth color over time.
However, following the tips below can help anyone to make the most of the teeth they have.
Avoid Stain-Causing Substances
Various foods and drinks can stain the teeth, including:
- Soda
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Berries
There’s no need to cut these items out completely, especially healthy options like berries. But those aiming for white teeth should be aware of what they’re consuming.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Following oral hygiene habits helps to prevent issues and moderate the impact of consuming some stain-causing substances.
At a minimum, brush the teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss each day.
See the Dentist Regularly
Practicing good oral hygiene habits should always be complemented with regular visits to a professional.
Ideally, see a dentist at least once a year, or as soon as any dental issues emerge.
Switching to Tobacco-Free Products
With a strong connection between tobacco use and stained teeth, it’s hard to ignore that dumping tobacco can make a difference. There’s a good case for checking out nicotine pouches sooner rather than later.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options.
Flavors range from unusual choices like VELO Dragon Fruit and ZYN Cinnamon to more classic taste profiles, such as Rogue Peppermint. Alternatively, there are unflavored pouches.
Protect Those Pearly Whites!
Most people learn too late that tobacco isn’t doing their smile any favors. To prevent pearly whites from becoming stained and odorous, ditching tobacco is a must. Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, making them a preferable choice for oral health that avoids most of tobacco’s downsides.
