New genetic research from the U.K.'s Medical Research Council suggests that nicotine-replacement drugs like nicotine gum and lozenges could raise the risk of mouth cancer, Medical News Today reported April 26.

Researcher Muy-Teck Teh of the Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University London said that nicotine appears to increase expression of the gene FOXM1 in the mouth; increased levels of the gene is known to be associated with some forms of cancer.

 "Our study found that FOXM1 was enhanced during the early progressive stages of mouth cancer. This means if someone has increased levels of FOXM1 in their mouth, it could indicate the early stages of mouth cancer," said Teh. "We were surprised to find that nicotine increased the levels of FOXM1 in the cells. We used the same amount of nicotine found in tobacco-replacement therapies such as chewing gums and the amount was enough to activate the gene."

Most mouth cancers are caused by smoking, chewing tobacco, and/or drinking alcohol. Nicotine, however, has not generally been considered a carcinogen.

"Although we acknowledge the importance of encouraging people to quit smoking, our research suggests nicotine found in lozenges and chewing gums may increase the risk of mouth cancer," Teh said.

The research was published online in the journal PLoS One.