The Stockholm Public Dental Service and the Karolinska Institute have examined the oral mucosa of 272 people aged 18-30 . Some use brown snus, some white snus and some are completely snus-free.
Most of the snus users notice the change, 79 percent of white snus users and 89 percent of brown snus users have some form of change.
The changes differ:
- Brown snus more often causes thickened mucous membranes (hyperkeratosis)
- White snus also causes a thickened mucous membrane but also redness and other inflammatory reactions.
- Ulcers in the mucous membrane are only seen in users of white snus.
Party snorters may be affected
However, the relationships differ for brown and white snus. It is more common for those who snuff a lot of brown snus to have more damage. For white snus, there is no such relationship. Instead, there is great individual variation.
“White snus causes reactions in the mucous membrane that are more difficult to predict than traditional snus. How serious they are also varies more between different individuals,” says Lars Fredriksson, senior dentist and project manager at Folktandvården Stockholm.
Some connection to taste – but more research is needed
In the study, mint-flavored products stood out. They more often caused more pronounced reactions. However, the connection is not statistically significant.
The Stockholm Public Dental Service writes that the study shows that white snus is not risk-free for the mouth. Patients should be aware of symptoms such as redness, burning or sores and contact the dentist if necessary.
The study shows no increased risk of caries or periodontal disease over up to six years of use.
Attention in Åland
Ålands Radio and TV is highlighting the study. An Åland dentist says that she recognizes what the study reveals from her patients. For example, that white snus can cause harm even if you don't use it much.
– We have seen that party snus users, who may only use snus occasionally, can suffer major injuries and it can take several months, up to several years, before it heals, says Elsa Le Curieux to Ålands Radio and TV.
