What are the effects of nicotine gum on my dental crowns?

Question

I have always flossed and brushed religiously. I always get a A+ on hygene from my dentist. In the past couple of weeks, I have had senstitivy in all of my teeth. I have been chewing nicotine gum for a year. I am very good in not chewing and parking the gum. Is this possibly the reason for the sensitivity? How bad is nicotine gum for your teeth and gums?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

It is not common for nicotine gum to cause sensitivity in your teeth, specifically; it is more common for patients to suffer generalized irritation of the mouth and throat.  However, so people do very uncommonly suffer from sensitivity that may be associated with nicotine gum.  The exact mechanism is unknown, but the prevailing theory is that nicotine normally binds to nicotinic-cholinergic receptors which generally works to calm individuals that smoke or chew gum.  These nicotinic-cholinergic receptors within your nervous system because dependent on this calming agent, nicotine, to remain calm.  When the calming agent is removed, your nervous system is hyper-sensitive to mild stimuli.  My advice to you is to drink more water to dilute the mild stimuli and let the gum stay in your mouth longer.  Eventually, your receptors will down regulate and decrease your sensitivity.  This question is generally outside the realm of knowledge of a cosmetic dentist, but I completed a residency at Albert Einstein School of Medicine, which makes this topic well within my realm.I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

What are the effects of nicotine gum on my dental crowns?

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What are the effects of nicotine gum on my dental crowns?

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