A new type of painful gum disease that can last for years at a time has been discovered in users of trendy nicotine pouches, dentists have warned.
Swedish experts say they have seen a rise in the condition — which leaves the mouth covered in large, inflamed ulcers — in those who use the pouches, also called snus, that are placed just under the lip.
They contain far more highly addictive nicotine than a cigarette, and gradually release the stimulant into the mouth, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
Now, dental health experts from the University of Gothenburg said the new and distinct type of gum damage is almost certainly caused by snus use — as the ulcers typically form in the area of the gum where the pouches are placed.
The warning follows previous research flagging other, serious health risks including increased chances of developing stomach, rectal and pancreatic cancers.
Snus technically refers to products which contain the carcinogen tobacco which, while legal to use, aren’t allowed to be sold in the UK.
Nicotine pouches, which are able to be purchased in the UK, don’t contain tobacco, but are also — confusingly — referred to as snus.
However tobacco snus is easy to obtain from online stores based overseas that send products direct to UK consumers’ homes.
Swedish dentists say they have seen a rise in patients who use the pouches, also called snus, suffering from painful oral inflammation for up to a year. Pictured an example of the red-sore gums seen in one of the patients
It’s the snus that doesn’t contain tobacco — also known as ‘white’ snus — that can be sold in the UK, that is to blame for the new oral health problem.
In fact, the authors of the study said the gum damage from white snus seems to last far longer than that from tobacco-containing, or ‘brown’ snus.
‘We’re concerned about these lesions [ulcers],’ said Dr Gita Gale, specialist and senior lecturer in oral medicine at the University of Gothenburg, and author of the study.
‘They’re completely different, with redness and thinning of the mucous membrane,’ she said.
‘Tissue samples have revealed severe inflammation, and we recommend that users stop using snus immediately if they develop problems or notice changes.’
Experts believe the harm may lie with the high levels of the alkaline solution sodium carbonate, which helps nicotine to absorb rapidly into the bloodstream.
Dr Gale added that the finding was concerning given how little experts know about the potential health consequences of long term use of white snus.
The pouches, which are being increasingly marketed to Britons with free samples even being handed out at train stations, are placed under the lip.
‘White snus use, especially among young people, is alarmingly high given how little we know about the long-term consequences of its use,’ she said.
Data suggests up to 10 per cent of adults in Sweden use white snus.
Figures for the UK are lower. A British study published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research in January recorded about 1 per cent — one in 100 people — were currently using snus.
However, this rose to 2.5 per cent — more than one in 50 people — among young people, those aged 18 to 24.
The authors also noted that while use remains low overall, uptake has doubled compared to levels recorded in 2020.
Previous studies have also found snus is popular among footballers, with the pouches being used by a fifth of professional players.
While proponents of snus and nicotine pouches have billed it as a potential smoking cessation aid, like vapes, the NHS doesn’t recommend the products for those looking to quit.
Previous studies have also snus is popular among footballers, with the pouches being used by a fifth of professional players
The health service states that even the tobacco-free versions could have risks due to a lack of evidence on their safety and efficacy.
Much like vapes, there have been growing concerns that young people are increasingly picking up nicotine pouches, and that some brands may even be marketing products to this demographic.
Tins of the pouches are being packaged in bright colours and sold in fruity flavours with cartoon or emoji style characters on the packaging.
Each pouch can contain as much as 150mg of nicotine.
For comparison, a single cigarette contains just 10mg — of which only around 1.4mg is actually inhaled.
Campaigners have warned vaping restrictions that come into force in June will prompt many to look for alternatives.
While the long term effects of using the pouches are unknown, strong versions of the products can lead to lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has previously described how he was left seriously ill after trying snus, but due to this reaction, it is believed he had used a hyper-strong nicotine pouch
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has previously described how he was left seriously ill after trying snus.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast in 2023, the ex-England captain said he had been convinced to try it ahead of the 2020 Euros, which he was attending as a broadcaster.
Describing his experience, he said: ‘I sit on the bed and I’m stark naked, and I’ve whipped this thing straight out my mouth and thrown it in the bin, thinking what the hell is this?
‘I start to sweat, but I’m freezing. I’m sweating and I’m sweating and there’s a pool on the floor, and I can’t move. I’m thinking what the hell have they done to me?
‘I start to feel very nauseous but I can’t stand up as I feel very dizzy. Eventually I lay on the floor and I crawl to the toilet like a snake, just sliding, that’s the only way I could get there.
‘And just before I got to the toilet, I vomit everywhere, it’s on the shower screens, it’s all over. I feel terrible, it’s horrendous.
‘Eventually the thing came to and end and I got into my bed and I thought I’ll look at the time. It was 7am in the morning. I’d had seven hours of absolute torture.’
