Dentist issues health warning to anyone using 'more addictive than vaping' snus pouches

Following the bombshell study which indicates that vaping is worse for your health than smoking cigarettes, a lot of people have been reassessing their relationships with nicotine.

Despite the NHS initially describing inhaling nicotine vapour from e-cigs as ‘substantially less harmful than smoking’, the study by Manchester Metropolitan University suggests otherwise.

But there's another popular nicotine product which health chiefs have urged people to steer clear of, as some experts reckon it might be the most addictive of them all.

Both doctors and dentists have shared concerns about 'snus', which is a tobacco product that sort of resembles a tiny teabag.

It's illegal throughout the entirety of the European Union (EU), except for Sweden, while it is also banned in the UK.

Because of this veto, our nicotine pouches do not contain any tobacco, as they are instead packed with flavoured nicotine powder. This is what Brits are referring to when they talk about snus, rather than the Scandinavian one.

Sophie Braznell, a researcher at the University of Bath Tobacco Control Research Group, explained these products typically contain 'a mixture of dehydrated nicotine, water, cellulose, flavours, additives and sweeteners'.

These pillow case-like sachets are placed under the lip by users for short periods while nicotine is released into the bloodstream.

A lot of people thinking using snus is a much safer alternative to smoking or vaping, given the fact using it doesn't involve inhaling any dodgy chemicals.

However, the lack of smoke doesn't mean it is risk free - as experts warn that there is a link between an increased risk of oral cancer and dental problems for those who use snus.

Which is why Dr Vikas Prinja, better known online as @thelondondentist, took to TikTok to warn his 287,300 followers about how harmful it can be.

The dental surgeon explained in the clip: "Snus is a smokeless tobacco, it originated in Sweden. It's illegal to sell everywhere in the EU, but loads of celebrities have been seen using it.

"Just like tea can come in tea bags or loose tea, snus can come in pouches like this or loose snus."

Dr Prinja explained that repeatedly applying these pouches to your gum can cause 'lesions', while he said that 'some studies have suggested that this might even be precancerous'.

"Snus also causes gum recession, gum inflammation and gum disease," he added.

But if that isn't enough to put you off, just have a look at what these experts had to say about snus.

Dr Jessica Kent explained that there seems to be a 'growing trend' in patients experiencing nicotine pouch-induced toxicity after using snus - which can be purchased in various strengths.

The medic at the University of Toronto explain people often brush off the harmful side effects as they think it's 'just nicotine', however, it can be a lot more sinister than you may think.

She told The Telegraph: "Nicotine can induce a spectrum of symptoms, depending on how high the dose is, varying from mild agitation and jitteriness to severe confusion, vomiting, respiratory compromise [a state in which patients are at risk of lung failure] and death."

And as Dr Prinja explained, having these things pressed up close against your gums doesn't do you any good.

Dr Tory Spindle, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explained why symptoms such as a dry mouth, gum lesions, strange jaw sensations and receding gums crop up in snus users.

"This is likely due to prolonged contact between the pouch and gums," he told The Telegraph. "It is unclear if these effects are driven solely by nicotine, or if other constituents in the pouches aside from nicotine may be contributing, which is likely the case.

"There’s other acute adverse effects of nicotine such as nausea, light-headedness, and increased heart rate. As with any nicotine product, more frequent use or higher doses exacerbates these concerns."

Kylie Lindorff, a director at the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC), also shared concerns about the way these products are marketed.

"We’re really concerned that this is another insidious attempt by the tobacco industry to just keep people addicted, particularly young people," she said. "They’re highly flavoured and clearly trying to appeal to children."

Dr Kent echoed these comments, describing it as the ' biggest concern from her perspective'.

"They’re very enticing to toddlers who tend to put everything they find in their mouth," she said of brightly coloured snus packaging and the appealing flavours of products.

"A child of that age will get 10 times the dose for their body weight compared with the average adult. As these pouches become more prevalent, the risks of these types of exposures will increase, trends we’ve already seen with vape and cannabis products."