Effect of Swedish nicotine pouches on caries related factors

Sammanfattning

ABSTRACT Introduction: The popularity of oral nicotine pouches has increased significantly over the past decade, yet their effects on both oral and general health remain inadequately studied. Nicotine is the active substance of the products that is highly addictive. Previous research has shown that it could stimulate the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to the common disease dental caries. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on pH, planktonic bacterial growth, and biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans, when exposed to nicotine pouches. Methods: Analytical experimental lab trial. Measurement of pH, planktonic bacterial growth grown on blood-agar, and crystal violet staining of biofilm when Streptococcus mutans were exposed to different nicotine pouch concentrations. Six concentrations of nicotine pouches 0-160 mg/mL were made from a suspension. Results: Significant differences were found in pH, planktonic bacterial growth and biofilm formation, when exposed to nicotine pouch suspensions at varying concentrations, as compared to a control. Overall, the nicotine pouches had an inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and planktonic bacterial growth. Differences in pH were seen between higher and lower concentrations of nicotine pouch suspension. Conclusions: This study suggests that nicotine pouches have an inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans, at investigated concentrations.