A BRUTAL new gum that can last for years has been discovered in users of trendy nicotine pouches, dentists warn.
Swedish scientists say cases are surging, with patients suffering large, inflamed ulcers exactly where the snus sit under the lip.
Unlike cigarettes, these pouches deliver a massive nicotine hit straight into the bloodstream, keeping users hooked.
Some contain up to 150mg of nicotine – which equals an entire pack of smokes in one go.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg say the damage is “severe”; and almost certainly caused by snus.
Worse, the ulcers from tobacco-free “white snus”; – currently the only form legal in the UK – seem to last even longer than those from traditional brown tobacco-based versions, popular in Sweden.
“We’re concerned about these lesions [ulcers],”; said Dr Gita Gale, a specialist in oral medicine.
“They're completely different, with redness and thinning of the mucous membrane.”;
“Tissue samples have revealed severe inflammation.
“We recommend that users stop using snus immediately if they develop problems or notice changes,”; she added.
Experts believe the real culprit behind the condition is sodium carbonate, an alkaline compound that speeds up nicotine absorption.
By boosting nicotine absorption, sodium carbonate can intensify and prolong gum irritation, potentially leading to the painful ulcers seen in users of these pouches.
Nicotine pouch use is rising fast, especially among young people and TikTokkers.
While only one per cent of UK adults use them, that number jumps to 2.5 per cent among 18 to 24-year-olds.
Footballers are also big users – one in five pros reportedly rely on them, according to 2024 research.
The former England footballer Jamie Vardy admitted to using them in his autobiography and said they helped him to “chill out”;.
“A lot more footballers use them than people realise and some lads even play with them during matches,”; he wrote.
Previous studies have flagged other serious health issues linked to tobacco snus, including a higher chance of stomach, bowel, and pancreatic cancers.
Despite being billed as a smoking alternative, nicotine pouches are not NHS-approved.
Their long-term effects remain unknown. Even tobacco-free versions could pose serious risks, officials warn.
Nicotine replacement therapy
The main reason people smoke is because they're addicted to nicotine.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medicine that provides you with a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke.
It can be bought from pharmacies and some shops, and is also available on prescription from a doctor or NHS stop smoking service.
It's available as:
- Skinpatches
- Chewing gum
- Inhalators (which look likeplastic cigarettes)
- Tablets, oral stripsand lozenges
- Nasal and mouth spray
There's no evidence that any single type of NRT is more effective than another.
But there is good evidence to show that using a combination of NRT is more effective than using a single product.
Treatment with NRT usually lasts eight to 12 weeks, before you gradually reduce the dose and eventually stop.
Source: NHS
