Snus and gums: how do I avoid pain?

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product from the Scandinavian region that is only suitable for oral use. Snus is neither burned nor chewed but placed under the upper lip and absorbed through the mucous membranes. Snus can be purchased either in portion pouches or as loose snus.

 Since snus comes into direct contact with the gums and teeth during use, inadequate oral hygiene can lead to health problems in the mouth. In this article, we want to inform you about the potential consequences of snus use, such as gum inflammation and gum pain, and provide helpful tips on how to best avoid these issues.

What exactly is in snus and how is it absorbed?

Most snus products consist of air- or sun-dried tobacco that has been finely ground, sodium chloride, humectants, water, sodium carbonate, and flavors such as mint. When using snus, the salt content and the increased pH level slightly roughen the mucous membrane so that the nicotine can enter the bloodstream and be absorbed by the body.

On average, a pouch of snus contains about 20 mg/g of nicotine; products like Siberia Red -80 Degrees can contain up to 43 mg/g of nicotine. The higher the nicotine content, the more likely the long-term effects on the gums are.

Snus Gum Pain

Years of snus use can negatively affect the gums. One possible damage is gum recession, which creates gum pockets that are harder to clean and can cause pain. Since mucous membrane and gum cells have a short life cycle, these symptoms usually subside a few days after the last use.

Snus Gum Inflammation

Once the gums recede, bacteria have easier access to the inside of the teeth. If these bacteria are not regularly brushed away, tartar forms, which cannot be removed by simple tooth brushing. In this case, a dentist must be consulted to have the tartar professionally removed.

Tartar that is not properly removed can inflame the gums. Inflamed gums itch and can be irritated. When brushing teeth, gum bleeding occurs more frequently, and the gums swell.

Snus Burning Gums

Once the gums are infected, this leads to faster formation of cavities. The bone tissue around the tooth can be damaged, which in the worst case leads to tooth loosening. Periodontitis refers to an inflammation of the gums that results in the destruction of the tooth-supporting structures. In this case, the tooth must ultimately be removed if it becomes too loose.

How can I best protect my teeth?

Oral hygiene plays a very important role when using snus and should not be underestimated.

Since excessive oral hygiene can also harm the gums, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day without pressing the toothbrush too hard. The transition from the gums to the teeth should be kept especially clean.

Furthermore, daily use of dental floss is recommended to prevent tartar buildup between the teeth. This is the only way to reduce the formation of gum pockets. Regular visits to the dentist are also important to detect and treat gum changes early.

How much snus per day?

As with all nicotine products, snus should be used only in moderation. Higher consumption naturally leads to gum problems more quickly—the more pouches used per day, the more extensive the consequences.

However, snus can also be purchased with significantly less nicotine. For example, products from the brand VELO Witty Spearmint AW contain only 8 mg/g of nicotine, or Skruf Super White Polar Eucalyptus Strong No.57 AW, which contains 12 mg/g of nicotine. Edel CBD Mint All White Snus is even completely nicotine-free and is ideal for people who want to quit smoking or reduce their snus consumption.