Nicorette® gum reduces tooth staining during smoking cessation

In vitro tests suggest that Nicorette® Freshmint Gum (test gum) used for smoking cessation may also lead to a reduction in stain on smokers' teeth. The act of gum chewing is associated with beneficial effects, increased salivation and mechanical removal of debris. The test gum contains three ingredients that also are included in commercially available tooth-whitening products: NaHCO3 (sodium-bicarbonate), Na2CO3 (sodium-carbonate) and CaCO3 (calcium-carbonate). The combination of the gum's high-pH buffers and an abrasive agent in conjunction with mechanical and gustatory salivary stimulation may reduce stain on smokers' teeth.

Objectives: To measure the effectiveness of the test nicotine replacement gum vs a nicotine replacement tablet in reducing tooth staining from baseline over a six week period and to monitor any differences found over a further six week period.

Methods: Subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were randomised to test gum (n=102) and control group using Nicorette® Microtab (n=98), during a traditional

12-week smoking cessation programme. Stain was measured at weeks 2, 6 and 12 using the McPherson Modification of the Lobene Stain Index.

Results: At Week 6, the mean total stain index was statistically significantly lower compared to baseline in the test gum group (4.01 vs 4.16, p=0.018), and higher (4.42 vs 4.31, p=0.079) compared to baseline in the control group. The difference between gum and tablet (0.41) was in favour of the gum (p=0.005).

Use of the gum over a further six weeks did not result in additional stain reduction.

Conclusions: The results support the efficacy of the nicotine gum in reducing tooth stain and arresting its progression.