From the Guidelines
Tobacco pouches pose significant health risks due to their contents, and their use should be strongly discouraged, especially among youth, as they contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and can lead to various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems, as highlighted in a 2021 study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1.
Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Pouches
The use of tobacco pouches, which often contain smokeless tobacco or nicotine pouch products, has been linked to several health concerns. According to a 1994 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the use of smokeless tobacco can cause oral cancer and leukoplakia 1. Furthermore, a 2015 study published in Pediatrics noted that tobacco product use is common among youth, with significant disparities in tobacco use remaining among young people nationwide 1.
Recommendations for Reducing Health Risks
Given the potential health risks associated with tobacco pouches, it is essential to prioritize strategies that reduce their use, particularly among youth. This can include:
- Implementing strong systems for thorough premarket assessment of novel tobacco products, as suggested by the 2021 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1
- Applying tobacco control interventions, such as MPOWER, to all tobacco products, including those contained in tobacco pouches
- Educating the public about the dangers of tobacco use and the risks associated with nicotine addiction
Prioritizing Morbidity, Mortality, and Quality of Life
When considering the use of tobacco pouches, it is crucial to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes. The potential health risks associated with these products far outweigh any perceived benefits, and their use should be strongly discouraged. By prioritizing evidence-based strategies to reduce tobacco use, we can work towards improving public health outcomes and reducing the burden of tobacco-related illnesses.
From the Research
Tobacco Pouches Overview
- Tobacco pouches, also known as oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), are a relatively new class of nicotine products 2
- The potential oral health risks of using ONPs remain poorly established, with limited research available 3
Oral Health Risks
- The use of combustible cigarettes and smokeless oral tobacco products are well-documented risk factors for a variety of oral diseases 3
- ONPs may be associated with fewer detrimental oral health effects compared to smoking, yet oral health status remains poorer compared to not using any tobacco/nicotine products 3
- Nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine patches, can have positive effects on oral health compared to continued smoking, but may also have some oral health effects such as xerostomia 4
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
- Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) can lead to oral health issues, including aphthous ulcers, gastric irritation, mouth irritation, soreness, and dryness 5
- Different forms of NRTs have varying oral side effects, with nicotine gum and nasal spray associated with significant oral side effects such as aphthous ulcers and mouth/throat irritation 5
Public Health Impact
- ONPs may have a potential public health impact, with evidence suggesting they may be less toxic than cigarettes and deliver comparable nicotine 2
- However, industry marketing of ONPs may encourage initiation in youth and situational and dual use in adults, highlighting the need for independent research and regulation 2