Snus is a type of dry tobacco that comes in small sachets. It is placed under the lip and next to the gum for about half an hour, making it an alternative to smoking. Snus originated in Sweden, and it remains popular in that country. It is also widely used in Norway, where it is the most popular tobacco product.

Snus is a type of tobacco product that is illegal in the European Union (EU), except for Sweden. However, nicotine pouches, which are an alternative to snus, can be purchased in various European countries, including Poland. The main difference between snus and nicotine pouches is that snus contains real tobacco. In contrast, nicotine pouches have the nicotine extracted from the plant and crystallised into nicotine salt.

In Poland, snus and other nicotine pouches are also becoming increasingly popular. While they may be viewed as a healthier alternative to smoking, their use is still associated with health risks.

A dentist from London, with the username @thelondentist, recently posted a video on TikTok, explaining what snus is and how it is used.

"Snus is smokeless tobacco which originated in Sweden. It’s illegal to sale everywhere in the EU, but loads of celebrities have been seen using it. Snus, like teas, is available in sachets or in loose form and is applied to the gums and held there. But it causes lesions on the gums," said the dentist while showing a photo of irritated gums.

Gum recession is a type of gum disease in which the gum tissue moves away from the teeth, leaving the roots exposed. This can increase the risk of developing cavities and cause tooth sensitivity. Some initial studies suggest that using snus might raise the risk of pancreatic cancer, heart failure, and diabetes.

Boys more at risk than girls?

In February 2023, Norwegian researchers published a study that had similar findings. They examined the dental health of nearly 1,400 individuals aged 18-20 who used snus daily. The results showed that the more snus the subjects consumed, the greater the damage to their gums.

The researchers also identified two types of damage: changes on the surface of the gums, which caused them to become white and wrinkled, and recession, which was the more severe damage. Interestingly, the researchers observed that the most extensive changes occurred in boys, indicating that they may have used snus with a higher nicotine content or kept it under their lips longer than the girls studied.

Source: @thelondentist