White snus inflammation is making headlines as new research reveals that some users are experiencing painful gum problems that can last for months, or even up to a year. Researchers in oral medicine at the University of Gothenburg are now taking a closer look at the popular white snus, which is widely used among young Swedes. This detailed investigation raises important questions, not just for those who use white snus, but for anyone interested in oral health and the effects of new nicotine products.

What Is White Snus and Why Is It Different?

White snus, also called tobacco-free snus, is a modern alternative to traditional brown, tobacco-based snus. It contains nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves, cellulose for texture, sodium alginate as a thickener, salt, sodium carbonate, flavourings, and sweeteners. Because of its high pH, it allows nicotine to quickly enter the bloodstream, resulting in a rapid and strong hit.

Unlike the traditional brown snus, white snus is classified as tobacco-free and is not covered by Sweden’s Act on Tobacco and Similar Products. It is illegal to sell white snus to anyone under 18, and marketing is regulated. White snus has been on the Swedish market for about a decade, and its use is growing, especially among younger people.

White Snus Linked to Oral Inflammation in Young People

A recent study led by Dr Gita Gale at the Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, is highlighting significant issues relating to white snus inflammation. According to unpublished data from the SOM Institute’s latest national survey, 25 percent of Swedes aged 16-29 regularly use white snus. Among women in this age bracket, the proportion rises to 27 percent.

The research follows an increase in patient cases at university dental care, often after referral from dental clinics. These patients display gum damage very different from what dentists usually see in those who use brown snus. The changes are not just more painful, but also more persistent.

Comparing Brown and White Snus: Different Oral Risks

Dentists know that brown snus can cause wrinkled mucosa with a white thickening where the snus rests. While not pleasant, these effects usually reverse a few weeks after stopping use. However, with white snus, researchers report distinctly red, sore gum changes, with some patients also developing ulcers.

“We’re more concerned about these lesions,” says Dr Gale. “They’re completely different, with redness and thinning of the mucous membrane. Tissue samples have shown severe inflammation, and we advise users to stop using snus immediately if they have problems or spot changes.”

Crucially, people who quit brown snus typically heal quickly within weeks. Those with white snus-related lesions often see the damage persist for months, in some cases lasting as long as a year—even when they stop using the product.

The University of Gothenburg’s New Study on White Snus

Research into white snus inflammation has only just begun. The current study, funded independently and not supported by the tobacco industry, is unique in its scale and approach. The research team is recruiting patients mainly via specialist dental clinics across Västra Götaland. Around 40 patients with damage linked to white snus have already joined the study.

The team, led by Dr Gita Gale in oral medicine and Dr Jenny Öhman in oral pathology, will analyse the types of lesions, the extent and severity of inflammation, and the speed at which mucosal tissue recovers. The research will also assess risk factors, comparing the effects of white snus with those seen in brown snus users and in non-users. This involves taking tissue biopsies from the area where users typically place snus, to study any changes under the microscope.

How Widespread Is White Snus Use in Sweden?

White snus is now a mainstream product, especially among the youngest adults. Recent figures show:

• 9% of adults aged 16 and over regularly use white snus.
• Among the 16-29 age group, 25% use it regularly, with women slightly more likely than men to do so.
• Use declines with age, dropping to just 3% among those 65 and older.
• Regular use among all ages is 8% for women, 10% for men.

For comparison, regular use of any kind of snus is 16% among Swedes, with higher percentages reported for men.

Symptoms and Severity of White Snus-Related Gum Lesions

Patients seen in the ongoing study tend to show:

• The white snus causes painful, red lesions or ulcers exactly where it is placed.
• Thinning and inflammation of the mucous membrane, very different from the thickened tissue typical of brown snus use.
• Long recovery times after stopping, with healing sometimes not complete for a year.

If you are using white snus and experience changes in your gums, such as pain, redness, or sores where the pouch sits, dentists recommend stopping use immediately and seeking dental advice. Early intervention is important, as allowing the inflammation to continue unchecked can make healing even slower.

The Knowledge Gap and the Need for Ongoing Research

The rise in white snus use among teenagers and young adults comes at a time when concrete knowledge about its long-term effects is still lacking. Unlike brown snus, for which there is some understanding of oral impact, the effects of white snus on oral mucosa are only now coming under the spotlight.

“White snus use, especially among young people, is alarmingly high given how little we know about the long-term consequences of its use,” says Dr Gale.

The University of Gothenburg study aims to fill this knowledge gap. By following participants for several years and comparing their cases with non-users, researchers hope to better answer questions about white snus inflammation and the risks to oral health.

Source: GU.SE