A Study on the Effects of Two Nicotine Replacement Products on Tooth Staining

This evaluator-blinded, randomized, 12-week parallel-group controlled trial compares Nicorette® Freshmint gum versus Nicorette® Microtab in healthy smokers who are motivated to quit smoking and who have visible staining of teeth.

The trial is comprised of five visits (baseline, Weeks 1, 2, 6, and 12). At baseline, subjects will be provided with a standardized toothpaste and toothbrush; use of any other oral hygiene or tooth-whitening product is prohibited. At all visits after baseline, smoking status and use of study treatment will be checked. Teeth staining and teeth shade will be rated at baseline and at 2, 6 and 12 Weeks using the Modified Lobene Stain Index and the Vita® Shade Guide, respectively.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females aged 18 to 65 years
• Daily smoker, current daily smoking for at least 1 year
• Motivated to quit smoking, and willing to use NRT (nicotine gum or nicotine sublingual tablet)
• Normal chewing abilities (able to use chewing gum without any problems)
• Willing to refrain from dental prophylaxis for the duration of the 12-week trial
• Have a minimum of 20 natural teeth, with at least 10 of the 12 anterior teeth present and scorable.
• Have a total extrinsic facial tooth stain score equal or more than 28, according to the MacPherson Modification of the Lobene Stain Index.
• Willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, tests, and other trial procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Use of other tobacco-containing products, such as cigars, pipe, smokeless tobacco products, etc.
• Existing use of any nicotine replacement products for smoking cessation, or undergoing any other treatment for tobacco dependence, such as hypnosis, acupuncture, bupropion, etc.
• Orthodontic appliances
• Gross periodontal disease, or signs of gross oral neglect
• History of oral cancer
• History of temporomandibular joint disorders known to aggravate jaw pain
• Unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction during the previous 3 months
• Pregnancy, lactation or intended pregnancy
• Any major metabolic disease, clinically important renal or hepatic disease Suspected alcohol or drug abuse
• Participation in another clinical trial within the previous three months and during study participation
• Any other severe acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition that might increase the risk associated with trial participation or trial drug administration or may interfere with the interpretation of trial results and, in the judgment of the investigator, makes the subject inappropriate for entry into this trial.