If you’ve had a tooth removal procedure, you should follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, speedy recovery and prevent dry socket. The bad news for nicotine consumers is that restraining from smoking and vaping is on the instruction list.
Since cigarettes and vaping are a no-go in this situation because of the high temperatures involved in their consumption, is there an alternative? Can you consume nicotine pouches after tooth extraction, for example? Learn about the potential risks of using nicotine pouches post tooth removal and get helpful tips for a safe and comfortable recovery without nicotine cravings.
Can You Use Nicotine Pouches After Tooth Extraction?
While there is not enough research on the effects of using nicotine pouches after tooth extraction, doctors generally recommend waiting at least 72 hours after tooth removal before using nicopods.
Nicotine is a known blood vessel constrictor, and it can slow down the healing process by reducing blood flow to the wound. Restricted blood flow can also increase the risk of dry socket by preventing proper blood clot formation. Additionally, nicotine pouches may contain other ingredients, such as flavorings, that can irritate the healing socket and cause discomfort.
After the initial 72-hour period, nicopods should be safe to use. Still, following your dentist’s advice is essential for a successful recovery. Your dentist may advise you to wait longer, depending on the complexity of your procedure or if you are at a higher risk for dry socket.
Can You Use Nicotine Pouches After Oral Surgery?
You should keep off nicotine pouches to ensure there is enough blood flow to the affected area for proper healing for 7–14 days after surgery. The duration of the healing process will vary depending on the surgery’s complexity, so, in some cases, your dentist may advise staying away from nicotine for several months.
Avoiding nicotine pouches is recommended after the following oral procedures:
| Dental implants | A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the root of your tooth. It’s surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line to support a crown or bridge. After six months, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration and is then ready for the crown or bridge |
| Bone grafting | Commonly used for individuals who want dental implants but have inadequate bone mass in their jaw. The dentist transplants a small piece of bone from another area of your body (usually the chin or hip) to the jaw, where it grows and supports implants |
| Orthognathic surgery | This corrective jaw surgery is performed to treat skeletal or dental irregularities, such as a misaligned jaw or bite. This surgery realigns the jaws and teeth for improved facial appearance, chewing, and breathing |
| Apicoectomy | A root-end procedure is conducted if inflammation or infection persists after a root canal treatment. During this procedure, your dentist removes the apex (tip) of the tooth root and seals it to prevent re-infection |
Can You Use Nicotine Pouches After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are the last, third pair of molars in your mouth. They typically appear between 17 and 25 years of age and often require surgical removal due to impaction, infection, decay, or crowding.
Although wisdom teeth are at the back of the mouth, placing a pouch under the lip can still irritate the extraction site, leading to delayed healing or dry socket. The recovery time for wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person, but generally, it takes about a week for the swelling to subside and two weeks for complete healing. Avoid using nicotine pouches during this time to allow proper healing and minimize any risk of complications.
Why Is the Healing Process Crucial After Tooth Removal?
After tooth removal, the body’s natural healing process begins in order to repair and grow new tissue around the wound. A blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerve endings from infection.
Over the next few days, the blood clot will gradually be replaced by granulation tissue, a combination of connective tissue and new blood vessels that facilitate healing. Complete healing typically takes about seven to ten days, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
It’s important to avoid any activities that can dislodge the blood clot, such as smoking, vaping, or eating, as this can lead to dry socket—a painful condition where the blood clot is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves to air, food particles, and bacteria.
Dry socket is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Throbbing pain
- Dizziness
- Red, swollen gums around the extraction site
- Bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth
Infections are also a risk after dental procedures because the wound is open and exposed to bacteria and other pathogens. Maintaining impeccable oral hygiene and following your dentist’s instructions to a T are vital for a full recovery.
Source: SnusBoss
Does Nicotine Help Alleviate Pain After Tooth Extraction?
While nicotine has pain-relieving properties, it is not a recommended method of pain management after tooth removal. The risks of dry socket and delayed healing far outweigh any potential benefits.
Instead, your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options, such as:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Naproxen
These drugs effectively manage post-extraction pain without interfering with the healing process.
Source: SnusBoss
Tips for Safe Use of Nicotine Pouches After Tooth Extraction
Regardless of the following tips for safe use, you shouldn’t consume nicotine pouches right after the tooth removal procedure—especially in the first 24 hours—to avoid dislodging the blood clot. In most cases, you can safely resume nicopod consumption after 72 hours, but stick to the following general instructions:
- Use one pouch at a time—Don’t place multiple pouches in your mouth simultaneously to avoid nicotine overdose
- Take breaks between pouches—Take 1–2 hour breaks between each session to avoid excessive nicotine intake
- Mind the pouch placement—Place the pouch on the opposite side of the wound to avoid discomfort
- Listen to your body—Always pay attention to your body’s cues and stop using nicopods if you experience any discomfort or pain
To ensure you get a potent and safe nicotine hit, always get your nicopods from a trusted and reputable source. Reliable vendors stock pouches from brands that follow strict quality control measures to ensure user safety.
Source: SnussBoss
Where To Buy Premium Nicotine Pouches
While you can purchase nicotine pouches from various sources, not all vendors offer safe, high-quality products. Premium nicopods contain food-grade ingredients, undergo rigorous testing, and are produced in compliance with strict safety regulations, guaranteeing a safe experience for users.
If you want to buy top-of-the-shelf nicotine pouches, SnusBoss is a reliable online store with a wide selection of premium brands. A team of industry experts selects only the best nicotine pouches in numerous flavors and strengths.
You can find nicopods from the following leading brands:
Ordering from SnusBoss is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Visit the SnusBoss online store
- Select your preferred products
- Proceed to checkout and enter your payment and shipping details
If you opt for express shipping, you’ll receive the pouches at your doorstep within 2–3 days. That’s not all—SnusBoss also offers the following perks:
- Free shipping for orders above $249
- Regular promotions and discounts to help you save on your purchases
All products on SnusBoss are from the EU. Thanks to constant research and innovation in the field, these products are tobacco-free, feature extensive flavor profiles, and provide a more potent nicotine buzz than their U.S. counterparts.
In 2016, the FDA disincentivized further development of nicotine pouch recipes by classifying them as smokeless tobacco products, resulting in less innovative formulas and subpar nicopods.
Source: SnusBoss
Helpful Tips To Reduce Discomfort and Promote Speedy Recovery After Tooth Removal
Besides following your dentist’s instructions, you can also try some at-home remedies from the table below to alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing after tooth removal:
| Cold Compress | Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10–20 minutes to reduce swelling. Avoid touching the wound with your fingers or tongue to prevent bacterial and other infections |
| Lukewarm Salt Water | After the first 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water to reduce inflammation and promote healing |
| Soft Food | Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t irritate the extraction site |
| Avoid Physical Activity | Avoid strenuous physical activity that can increase blood pressure, which could affect blood flow and disrupt the healing process |
| Keep off Alcohol and Caffeine | Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the wound and impede healing. These substances can also reduce the effectiveness of pain medications |
To avoid compromising your oral health, use nicotine pouches responsibly. Overusing nicopods can lead to dental problems, including gum irritation and gum recession. Schedule regular dental check-ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal oral health.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use nicopods at all if you haven’t used other nicotine products before, you’re under 21, pregnant or breastfeeding, or you suffer from cardiovascular conditions. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that leads to dependence when used frequently and in large amounts.
Responsible use also minimizes potential side effects such as heartburn, increased heart rate, or high blood pressure.
Featured image source: Cedric Fauntleroy