Snus is a type of smokeless tobacco product, distinct from traditional chewing tobacco or cigarettes. It originated in Sweden and has been used there for centuries. Snus is consumed orally, typically by placing it under the upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membranes. This product offers a smokeless alternative to other tobacco forms.
Understanding Snus
Snus is a moist, finely ground tobacco product that does not require combustion or spitting. It is placed between the upper lip and gum, where nicotine is slowly released and absorbed through the oral mucosa. This absorption method differs from smoking, where nicotine enters the bloodstream rapidly through the lungs.
Snus is available in two primary forms: loose and portioned (pouches). Loose snus allows users to form a custom portion, while portion snus comes in small, pre-packed sachets. Swedish snus is steam-pasteurized, a process that reduces levels of certain harmful chemicals, such as tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), compared to fermented tobacco products. American snus, while similar, has a lower moisture content and pH, which results in less nicotine bioavailability and a sweeter flavor profile than Swedish varieties.
Health Implications
Snus contains nicotine, a substance known for its addictive properties due to its effect on the brain’s reward system. Regular use can lead to cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped.
Oral health concerns associated with snus include gum recession, where gums pull away from teeth, exposing roots and increasing sensitivity and decay risk. Snus can also lead to tooth discoloration and enamel erosion due to abrasive particles and altered oral pH. It may also increase the risk of gum disease by reducing blood flow to the gums, making them more vulnerable to infection. Snus use also links to oral lesions, such as leukoplakia, which are white patches that can be precancerous.
Beyond oral health, snus use has been associated with cardiovascular risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Research indicates an elevated risk of fatal heart attack and stroke among snus users. Snus use has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic, esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers. It is also associated with adverse reproductive effects, such as stillbirth and low birth weight.
Snus Compared to Other Tobacco Products
Snus differs from cigarettes primarily because it is a smokeless product, eliminating smoke and secondhand smoke exposure. Cigarettes produce over 7,000 toxic chemicals when burned, many of which are known carcinogens. While snus still contains thousands of chemicals and nicotine, its pasteurization process results in lower levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines compared to cigarettes.
Compared to traditional chewing tobacco or “dip,” snus does not require spitting, as it generates less excess saliva. Chewing tobacco involves shredded or loose leaf tobacco that is chewed or held in the cheek, and users spit out the juices. The manufacturing process also varies; snus is pasteurized to reduce harmful microorganisms, whereas chewing tobacco is fermented, which can result in higher nitrosamine content.
The concept of “harm reduction” is discussed in relation to snus, suggesting it is a less harmful alternative for smokers who cannot or will not quit nicotine entirely. While switching from cigarettes to snus reduces exposure to many harmful substances found in smoke, snus is not without its own inherent dangers. It remains an addictive tobacco product with documented health risks, including cardiovascular issues, oral health problems, and links to certain cancers.