Nicotine pouches (like Zyn) are everywhere. They’re tiny white pouches filled with nicotine that you tuck inside your lip to get a buzz. They come in different strengths and flavors, and you don’t inhale anything like with vapes and cigarettes. Sounds safe…right?
Are nicotine pouches safer than smoking?
Compared to cigarettes, yes. There’s no burning tobacco, no tar, and no lung damage from smoke. For someone who already smokes, switching to pouches could lower some health risks.
But here’s the thing: “Safer than smoking” is not the same thing as “safe.”
How nicotine affects your brain
“Nicotine gives your brain a quick boost of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical, so you may feel happier or more alert for a short time,” explains Jeri Lantz, MD, a doctor at Carilion’s Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic. “The more you use it, the more your brain starts to depend on it to feel normal. Over time you may need more to get the same effect, and quitting gets harder.”
Because your brain is still developing into your mid-20s, teens and young adults face additional risks. Nicotine use can:
- Mess with memory and concentration
- Make you more impulsive
- Increase your risk of future addictions
What it does to your body
No matter what form it’s in, nicotine can cause:
- Faster heart rate and higher blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping or a wired feeling
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Anxiety or irritability when it wears off
Using high-strength pouches can make these effects worse.
What about your mouth?
The pouch sits in between your lip and gums, so it can:
- Irritate your gums or cause soreness
- Cause gum recession over time
- Discolor your teeth
- Dry out your mouth (hello bad breath!)
Long-term risks of nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches are still fairly new and only became popular in the last decade. That means we still don’t know the full long-term impact on things like cancer risk and heart health.
Should you use them to quit smoking or vaping?
They might be less harmful, but they’re still not good for you. If your goal is to quit smoking or vaping, there are options that have proven success, like:
- Nicotine gum or patches
- Prescription medicines
- Free coaching
If you use any kind of nicotine and want to quit, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help find the best approach for you.
