Switching from Snus to Nicotine Pouches May Improve Oral Health

Swedish snus—a moist, smokeless tobacco product placed under the lip—is known to cause reversible lesions on the oral mucosa (the inner lining of the mouth).  Although these lesions typically disappear when snus use is stopped, the precise reasons behind the tissue changes are unclear.

A  Swedish study published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences examined what happened when people switched from snus use to using nicotine pouches.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg studied 60 regular snus users over six weeks. Participants were asked to swap their regular tobacco snus for a nicotine pouch product that contains nicotine but no tobacco. Throughout the trial period, the scientists monitored changes in the participants’ oral health, focusing specifically on mucosal lesions where snus pouches are typically placed.

The results were clear: there was a noticeable reduction in the severity of mucosal lesions after switching to non-tobacco nicotine pouches. This suggests that tobacco—not nicotine itself—may be the primary irritant causing these lesions.

What’s Going on at the Cellular Level?

To better understand the biological effects, researchers also conducted lab tests comparing immune responses triggered by regular snus versus tobacco-free nicotine pouches. The findings revealed that exposure to traditional snus led to significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines—chemicals that signal inflammation—than exposure to the nicotine-only pouches.

This immune reaction could help explain the persistent tissue irritation and damage seen in long-term snus users.

What This Means for You

If you’re a snus user concerned about oral health, switching to a non-tobacco nicotine pouch might offer a gentler alternative. While nicotine is still present—and addictive—removing tobacco from the equation could reduce the risk of mouth lesions and associated inflammation.

As more research continues into the long-term effects of nicotine pouches, this study provides early evidence that not all products are created equal—especially when it comes to your mouth.