Does nicorette gum cause gum disease?

Answer 1

Nicorette gum contains nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. While nicotine does not 'cause' gum disease, it has been shown to contribute to the severity of the disease.

Nicotine is toxic to cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells that create and rebuild connective tissue in the body. Connective tissue is destroyed in gum disease, and when fibroblast function is impaired by nicotine, the body's ability to fight off the disease is significantly limited. Therefore, gum disease generally tends to be more severe in people who ingest or inhale nicotine.