Mouth Sores From Nicotine Pouches—Types and Treatment

If you have suffered mouth sores from smoking, vaping, or dipping and are thinking of switching to nicotine pouches as a safer alternative, you should find out whether they cause similar effects. 

Nicopods are tobacco-free, smokeless, discreet, and contain only pharmaceutical-grade nicotine. Although they carry fewer health risks than traditional tobacco products, some users have reported that they’ve experienced mouth sores from nicotine pouches as a side effect.

Even though there is no scientific proof that nicopods actually cause mouth sores, it’s important to understand how nicotine pouches affect your oral and overall health so that you can have enjoyable and safe sessions.

Nicotine Pouches and Mouth Sores—What’s the Correlation?

There are four types of mouth sores that can appear when you use nicotine pouches:

1. Canker sores
2. Leukoplakia
3. Keratosis
4. Verrucous carcinoma

Canker Sores

Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that can occur on the mouth’s soft tissues, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, and at the base of the gums. They are usually round or oval-shaped, with a white or yellow center surrounded by a red border. Canker sores are not contagious and can last 1–2 weeks, with large sores taking up to six weeks to heal.

Common symptoms of canker sores include:

• Pain or discomfort in the affected area
• A tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears
• Swelling or inflammation around the sore
• Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition that causes thick, white or gray patches to develop on the inside of the cheeks, gums, tongue, or on the floor of the mouth. It is often caused by chronic irritation, such as from repeated exposure to tobacco products. Leukoplakia is usually painless, but it can lead to oral cancer if left untreated.

Symptoms of leukoplakia may include:

• Patches on the inside of the mouth
• Rough, ridged, wrinkled, or raised texture on the patches
• Irregular shapes and edges of the patches

Keratosis

Keratosis or snuff dippers’ lesions are white or gray, wrinkled patches that develop inside your mouth in places where you hold smokeless tobacco products, such as your gums, cheeks, and under the tongue. The lesions stem from the irritation caused by keeping the pouch in the same spot during each nicopod session. If left untreated, keratosis can also develop into oral cancer.

Symptoms of this condition may include:

• Painless patches inside the mouth
• A thick, leathery texture on the patches
• Numbness or tenderness in the affected area

Verrucous Carcinoma

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare form of oral cancer that causes growths in the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. These lesions may be white, red, or both and are usually slow-growing. They typically don’t cause pain unless they become infected or spread to surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of verrucous carcinoma may include:

• Wart-like growths in the oral cavity
• Thickened, raised, or hardened areas on the affected tissue
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Bad breath

Most mouth sores result from bad oral hygiene and tobacco use. The chemicals and toxins in tobacco products can damage cells and tissues and lead to the appearance of abnormal growths or changes in tissue color. Since nicotine pouches are 100% tobacco-free, they’re less likely to cause mouth sores.

Source: Velo

How Do Mouth Sores From Nicotine Pouches Happen?

Mouth sores may occur due to irritation or trauma to the soft tissue of the mouth. The most common causes include:

• Repeated exposure to nicotine and other chemicals in the pouches
• Irritation from holding the pouches in the same spot for extended periods
• Infection or inflammation of the oral cavity
• Allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients in the pouches
• Weakened immune system due to stress, illness, or medication use

If you experience stubborn mouth sores that won’t go away, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Mouth Sores 

Most mouth sores resolve on their own within two to six weeks. For severe and persistent cases, your doctor may recommend one of the treatments from the table below:

Type of Treatment	Description
Over-the-counter topical treatments	These include gels, creams, mouthwashes, anti-inflammatory medications, or protective barriers to help relieve discomfort and promote healing
Oral prescription medications	For severe mouth sores, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or antiviral drugs, to reduce inflammation and speed up healing
Laser therapy	Targeted laser treatment can help alleviate pain and inflammation, promote healing, and reduce the risk of scarring
Surgery	In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or cancerous tissues

Besides the medical treatments, you can also manage mouth sores by following these tips:

1. Avoid spicy, acidic, or salty foods that can irritate the sores (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes, and coffee)
2. Stay away from alcohol and other irritants that can aggravate the sores
3. Rinse your mouth regularly with saline solution to promote healing and disinfection
4. Apply a thin paste of baking soda and water on the sores to help reduce pain and inflammation
5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and soothe dry mouth
6. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques to avoid further irritation 

Source: Diana Polekhina

How To Prevent Mouth Sores From Nicotine Pouches

Here’s what you can do to prevent mouth sores from appearing: 

1. Avoid prolonged exposure to nicopods—You shouldn’t keep nicotine pouches in your mouth for too long. Remove the pouch after the recommended use time to reduce irritation and risk of mouth sores
2. Alternate sides—To avoid irritation, place the pouch on different sides of your mouth each time you use it
3. Maintain good oral hygiene—Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and check-ups
4. Switch to a lower nicotine strength—Use a milder product if you experience frequent mouth sores or irritation
5. Stay hydrated—Drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses a day) to keep your mouth moist and reduce the risk of dry mouth, which can contribute to mouth sores
6. Choose high-quality nicotine pouches—Buy nicopods from reputable vendors, such as SnusBoss, who stock products from brands that follow advanced quality control

SnusBoss—Get Quality Nicotine Pouches Online

Founded by a team of seasoned industry experts, SnusBoss offers a wide selection of premium nicotine pouches from popular EU brands. European nicopods are famous for their quality, offering a stronger and longer-lasting kick because progressive laws on oral nicotine products in Europe allow the manufacturers to continually upgrade the formulas and produce top-notch goods.

SnusBoss gives you many premium EU brands to choose from: 

1. ZYN
2. Velo
3. Kurwa
4. Skruf
5. Snatch
6. Dope
7. Killa
8. White Fox
9. Hit
10. Thunder
11. Pablo
12. Kozmo
13. Klint
14. Roger
15. Paz
16. Thor
17. Chapo
18. GOAT
19. Jäger
20. Oryx
21. Pik
22. Denssi
23. Glitch
24. Kick
25. Siberia

Every product in SnusBoss’s offer undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure it is safe and provides a fantastic nicopod experience.

Source: SnusBoss

To order from SnusBoss:

1. Visit the online store
2. Select your preferred brand, flavor, and strength and add to the cart
3. Proceed to checkout and provide shipping and payment information

You can opt for express shipping and receive nicopods within two to three days. SnusBoss also offers free shipping for orders above $249.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use nicotine pouches if you are younger than 21, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have cardiovascular issues. Nicopods contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation. 

Nicotine Pouches—Oral Health Risks and Concerns

There is limited research on the risks to oral health associated with nicopod use. Check out the potential issues in the table below. 

Oral Health Issue	How It Occurs
Gum recession	Nicotine can restrict blood flow to the gums, causing them to recede and expose the roots of your teeth. This can lead to gum sensitivity, infection, and tooth loss
Dry mouth	Nicotine can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth and an increased risk of cavities, bad breath, and oral infections
Inflammation	Studies show that nicotine can increase gum inflammation, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. These conditions cause gum bleeding, swelling, pain, and tooth loss
Sore throat	While swallowing small amounts of the build-up saliva from the pouches is generally safe, excessive swallowing or irritation from nicotine and other ingredients can cause a sore throat in some users

Source: Caroline LM

Can Nicotine Pouches Cause Oral Cancer?

No, nicopods don’t cause oral cancer because nicotine, the primary ingredient in nicotine pouches, isn’t carcinogenic. Even so, some experts argue that nicotine pouch products can initiate or aggravate oral conditions and cause oral submucous fibrosis, a precancerous condition that affects the mouth and throat.

To avoid potential risks, use nicopods in moderation and as instructed by the manufacturer.

Other Health Risks Related to Nicopods

While the link between nicotine pouches and mouth sores is still being studied, nicotine consumption carries other potential health risks, including:

• Cardiovascular complications—Overconsumption of nicotine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attack and stroke. If you have a preexisting heart condition, consult your doctor before using nicotine pouches
• Erectile dysfunction—Nicotine can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, potentially contributing to erectile dysfunction. Using nicotine long-term increases the risk of this condition
• Mental health concerns—Known to disrupt brain chemicals, nicotine can lead to anxiety, irritability, and focus issues, especially in young consumers. This can throw off your daily routine and affect your sleep, impacting your mental well-being. Prolonged nicotine use can also increase the risk of mood disorders

Featured image source: Karolina Grabowska