Snus and gums: This is how harmful snus consumption is for your oral health

Snus may be a smokeless alternative to cigarettes, but that doesn't mean it's harmless - especially not to your oral health. Many people think that snus is less harmful because it is not inhaled. However, teeth and gums in particular can be severely affected by snus consumption. From unsightly discolouration to receding gums - snus comes with a number of risks that should not be underestimated. In this blog, we shed light on the negative effects of snus on your teeth and gums, show you possible long-term damage and give you helpful tips on how to look after your dental health despite snus.

How does snus affect the gums?

Snus has become popular in recent years as a smokeless alternative to smoking. However, although it is not inhaled, snus has significant effects on the gums. The ingredients in snus, especially nicotine, can severely irritate the tissue in the mouth. This often leads to damage to the gums as they come into direct contact with the tobacco. As a result, the gums recede, which often appears as Zahnfleischrückgang is labelled.

Another side effect is that the blood flow to the gums is reduced by nicotine. This makes it harder for the tissue to regenerate and wounds in the mouth heal more slowly. Over time, this can lead to Zahnfleischentzündungen which are not only painful, but also jeopardise the teeth as they lose their natural support in the gums.

In addition, the reduced saliva flow caused by snus makes it easier for bacteria to multiply in the mouth - another risk factor for inflammation in the mouth.

Does snus harm the teeth?

In addition to the negative effects on the gums, snus can also cause considerable damage to the teeth. A common problem with regular snus consumption is Zahnverfärbungen . The dark, tar-like substances in tobacco penetrate the tooth enamel and leave unsightly stains that are difficult to remove with normal tooth brushing. These discolourations are often one of the first signs that snus is affecting dental health.

Another problem is the Zahnschmelz which can be damaged by direct contact with snus. The enamel is the outer protective layer of the tooth, and if it is attacked, the risk of Karies . Due to the aggressive nature of snus and the reduced saliva flow in the mouth, acids and bacteria can colonise more easily, which further weakens the teeth.

In addition, regular snus use increases the likelihood of plaque and tartar build-up. This can lead to other dental diseases such as tooth decay or periodontitis if not treated in time.

Long-term consequences of snus for oral health

The long-term effects of snus on oral health should not be underestimated. Continuous consumption can lead to serious long-term damage. One of the most serious is the loss of teeth. If the gums recede severely and the jawbone is affected by inflammation, the teeth lose their hold. In severe cases, this can even lead to tooth loss.

In addition, regular snus use increases the risk of oral cancer. Although snus contains fewer carcinogenic substances than cigarettes, it still contains enough chemicals to increase the risk of mouth, tongue and throat cancer.

Another problem is the permanent gum recession which is no longer reversible. Once the gums have receded, they cannot recover on their own. This not only leads to aesthetic problems, but also to increased sensitivity of the teeth and an increased risk of further dental diseases.

Even though many people consider snus to be a "healthier" alternative to smoking, the risks to oral health are enormous, especially when used regularly over many years.

Can dental problems be reversed with snus?

If dental problems such as receding gums or discolouration have developed as a result of snus consumption, many people wonder whether this damage can be reversed. The bad news is that receding gums do not usually heal on their own. Once the gums have receded, they can only be restored through professional treatments such as gum grafting. However, these procedures are time-consuming and costly.

Discolouration of the teeth, on the other hand, is easier to treat. A professional teeth cleaning at the dentist can remove superficial stains. For stubborn discolouration, a Bleaching on. The teeth are whitened using special bleaching agents to reduce the discolouration caused by snus.

It is important to intervene as early as possible and attend regular dental appointments to prevent major damage and get existing problems under control.

Dental care tips for snus users

If you don't want to give up snus despite the risks, you should at least pay special attention to your Mundhygiene to prevent tooth damage. Here are some important tips:

1. Brush your teeth regularly Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps to prevent tooth decay, which can be favoured by snus.

2. Use dental floss Snus often leaves residue in the mouth. Dental floss can be used to remove food residue and plaque that can get stuck between the teeth and cause tooth decay.

3. Use mouthwashes An antibacterial mouthwash can help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that are favoured by snus consumption. This also helps to keep inflammation in the gums in check.

4. Regular visits to the dentist The dentist can not only treat discolouration caused by snus, but also point out possible damage at an early stage. A check-up and professional teeth cleaning should be carried out at least twice a year.

5. Toothpastes and products for smokers : There are special toothpastes for smokers that can help prevent discolouration and protect the gums.

With these simple measures, at least some of the negative effects of snus on teeth and gums can be reduced.

Snus alternatives for better oral health

For those looking for a less harmful alternative to snus, there are now several options that can be gentle on oral health. Some of the most common alternatives are

1. Nikotinpflaster Patches are a popular way of combating nicotine addiction without putting tobacco directly into the mouth. They release nicotine evenly through the skin, leaving oral health unaffected.

2. Nikotinkaugummis These chewing gums contain nicotine, but can be less harmful to the gums as they do not contain the same chemicals as snus. They still offer a quick way to satisfy nicotine cravings.

3. Nicotine pouches (tobacco-free snus alternatives) These products are similar to snus, but contain no tobacco. They only release nicotine and are much less harmful to the gums and teeth. Although there are risks here too, they are considered the less harmful option.

4. Electronic cigarettes Even if e-cigarettes are not entirely unproblematic, they generally have less direct effects on teeth and gums than snus. However, there are also health concerns with them, which is why comprehensive counselling is advisable.

Switching to one of these alternatives could not only improve dental health, but also reduce the risk of more serious long-term damage such as gum inflammation and tooth loss.