The Impact of Nicotine Patches on Gingival and Oral Health: A Narrative Review.

Smoking significantly impacts oral health, causing periodontal disease, oral cancer, tooth discoloration, halitosis, and impaired wound healing. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), particularly nicotine patches, is widely used for smoking cessation. This review evaluates the literature regarding nicotine patches and their implications for oral and gum health. Nicotine patches deliver controlled nicotine doses transdermally, alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While nicotine can negatively affect oral health through vasoconstriction and reduced salivary flow, the overall impact of patches is generally positive compared to continued smoking. The primary benefit is the elimination of exposure to harmful chemicals and heat from cigarette smoke, significantly decreasing oral cancer risk and periodontal disease progression. Nicotine patches are associated with improved periodontal treatment outcomes, better wound healing, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. They may also promote improved oral hygiene practices. However, limitations include uncertain long-term effects and potential side effects like xerostomia. In conclusion, while nicotine patches may have some oral health effects, their use generally leads to significant improvements compared to continued smoking, making them valuable for promoting better oral health in individuals quitting smoking.