Nicotine pouches are associated with receding gums and oral irritation according to new research. The findings come from the first study to examine their effects on the mouth lining compared with snus.
Researchers led by Karin Legert at the Karolinska Institute studied 272 adults aged 18 to 30. Of these, 126 used nicotine pouches, 63 used snus and 83 used neither. Participants used the products at least five times a day for three months or more.
Gingival recession appeared in 45 per cent of nicotine pouch users and 52 per cent of snus users, compared with 6 per cent of non-users. The recession typically occurred where users placed the products. Nicotine pouch users also reported more redness and discomfort than snus users.
Legert noted that flavours may contribute to irritation. Gita Gale of the University of Gothenburg said people should not assume the products are harmless. The study was published in Oral Diseases.
