Vaping is out, Zyn is in

Evolving addictions

In the early to mid-20th century, cigarette usage was not only socially acceptable but revered as a health product by medical practitioners; it wasn't until the 1950s when we realized smoking causes lung cancer.

Then, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, vaping exploded in popularity. Marketed as a "safer" alternative to cigarette use, 2.55 million US middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2022.¹ After further investigation, we learned that chemicals in vapes (acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde) can cause lung disease, breathing problems, and cardiovascular issues.²

Now, Zyns are the latest nicotine trend for young people in America, sought after for being a smoke-free alternative to vaping. But are they really any better than e-cigarettes?

What are Zyns?

Zyns are pillow-like pouches that deliver nicotine directly into the bloodstream through the mouth's membrane lining. Created in 2014 by the company Swedish Match, they come in a variety of flavors and are sold in 3 mg and 6 mg doses.³

Zyns are safer than other modern nicotine products because they do not contain tobacco leaves, which means they have fewer carcinogens.³ However, they are still not risk-free. Nicotine in any form is an addictive substance, which can be especially dangerous as more children and young adults reach for these pouches.

Although we are still learning about the long-term effects of both vaping and Zyns, they have been linked to gum damage, periodontal disease, and nausea.3 According to Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, medical director and practitioner at Heartsafe, regular exposure to the toxic chemicals in Zyn pouches can lead to gum injuries, inflammation, infection, and even cancer.⁴

Why Zyns are dangerous

In addition to being perceived as a safer, and therefore, "healthier" addiction than vaping, Zyns directly appeal to children and young people for a few other reasons.

Firstly, they are discreet enough to tuck away during school, work, sports games, and other activities,³ and like JUUL pods, Zyns are sold in a variety of "fun" flavors such as peppermint, cinnamon, coffee, and citrus-which makes them pleasant to use. Social media sites like TikTok also feature "Zynfluencers," whose content mainly consists of themselves using and promoting the pouches. This is concerning, especially considering 47.4% of all TikTok users in 2024 are under 30 years old.⁵

Oral nicotine products are expected to bring $2 billion in US revenue this year,³ and according to the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey of 2023, 400,000 American teenagers use oral nicotine products.⁶

For dental practitioners, it's important to be aware of younger patients using Zyns and other forms of nicotine; developing unhealthy habits during adolescence or early adulthood may lead to a myriad of oral health problems down the line, which could become serious or fatal. As more studies and research come out about the adverse effects of these pouches, it's crucial to stay aware and informed. After all, we once thought cigarettes were healthy.

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