Randomized controlled trial to evaluate tooth stain reduction with nicotine replacement gum during a smoking...

Area of Science:

• Oral health
• Dental research
• Smoking cessation interventions

Background:

• Smoking is a significant cause of extrinsic tooth staining.
• Smoking cessation interventions incorporating stain removal may boost quit motivation.
• Oral health professionals are pivotal in delivering smoking cessation support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of Nicorette® Freshmint Gum in reducing extrinsic tooth stain and improving tooth shade among smokers.
• To evaluate the impact of a dental-setting smoking cessation program utilizing nicotine gum.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, evaluator-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 200 daily smokers.
• Participants used either Nicorette® Freshmint Gum or Nicorette® Microtab.
• Tooth staining and shade were assessed using the modified Lobene Stain Index and Vita® Shade Guide at baseline and weeks 2, 6, and 12.

Main Results:

• The gum group showed a significant reduction in mean stain index scores at week 6 (-0.14) compared to the tablet group (+0.12) (p=0.005).
• Statistically significant improvements in tooth shade lightening were observed in the gum group at weeks 2, 6, and 12 (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Nicotine replacement gum demonstrates efficacy in reducing tooth stains and lightening tooth shade.
• These findings suggest that nicotine gum can be a valuable tool for dentists to motivate patients towards smoking cessation.