From the Guidelines
Increasing Zyn (nicotine replacement therapy) is unlikely to cause significant changes in the neck or salivary glands, as the current evidence does not support a strong association between nicotine replacement therapy and severe salivary gland complications. When considering the potential effects of nicotine replacement therapy on the neck and salivary glands, it is essential to examine the various forms of nicotine replacement therapy available, including chewing gum, transdermal patches, nasal sprays, inhalators, sublingual tablets, and lozenges 1. While some users may experience mild salivary gland stimulation or irritation due to nicotine, the majority of evidence suggests that these effects are typically transient and not severe. Key points to consider include:
- Nicotine replacement therapy comes in various forms, each with its own potential effects on oral tissues and salivary glands 1
- The available evidence does not support a strong link between nicotine replacement therapy and significant salivary gland complications, such as severe swelling, tenderness, or enlargement 1
- Users may experience mild salivary gland stimulation or irritation due to nicotine, but these effects are typically transient and not severe
- If users notice persistent swelling, pain, or lumps in their neck or jaw area after increasing Zyn use, they should consult a healthcare provider to rule out significant inflammation or other health concerns requiring medical attention.
From the FDA Drug Label
Stop use and ask a doctor if ... mouth, teeth, or jaw problems occur The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Effects of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on the Neck and Salivary Glands
- There is evidence to suggest that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may cause DNA damage in human salivary glands 2.
- A study found that nicotine induced a significant dose-dependent increase of DNA migration in parotid gland single-cells, with the lowest concentration eliciting significant DNA damage being 0.25mM nicotine 2.
- This concentration is only 10-fold higher than maximal concentrations of nicotine reported in saliva after unrestricted smoking, raising concerns about the safety of long-term NRT 2.
- However, other studies have focused on the effectiveness of NRT for smoking cessation, without specifically examining its effects on the neck or salivary glands 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study found that sparing the region of the salivary gland containing stem cells preserves saliva production after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, but this is not directly related to NRT 3.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Salivary Gland Function
- There is limited research on the specific effects of NRT on salivary gland function, but one study suggests that nicotine may induce DNA damage in human salivary glands 2.
- The other studies on NRT have focused on its effectiveness for smoking cessation, without examining its effects on salivary gland function or the neck 4, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of NRT on the neck and salivary glands, particularly in terms of its potential to cause DNA damage or affect salivary gland function 2.