Snus and Gum Disease: How Oral Tobacco Damages Your Mouth

One of the most visible effects of snus use is the damage it does to your mouth. If you've noticed changes to your gums where you place your snus, you're not alone. For strategies to quit, see our complete guide to quitting snus. Here's what snus does to your oral health—and the good news about recovery.

How Snus Damages Your Mouth

Gum Recession

The most common oral effect of snus:

• What it is: Gums pull away from teeth, exposing root surfaces
• Where it occurs: Usually where snus is habitually placed
• Progression: Worsens with continued use and higher nicotine content
• Reversibility: May partially improve after quitting, but severe recession is often permanent

Signs of gum recession:

• Teeth appear longer than before
• Visible root surface (darker or yellower than crown)
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet
• Notch felt at gum line

Leukoplakia

White patches on the oral mucosa:

• What it is: Thickened white patches that can't be scraped off
• Concern: Some leukoplakia can become precancerous
• Prevalence: Common in long-term snus users
• Location: Where snus contacts tissue
• Recovery: Often resolves within weeks to months after quitting

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

• Inflammation and infection of gum tissue
• Can lead to bone loss around teeth
• May cause tooth loosening or loss in severe cases
• Often masked by nicotine's vasoconstrictive effects (gums don't bleed as expected)

Other Oral Effects

• Tooth decay: Increased cavities at gum line where roots are exposed
• Bad breath: Tobacco odor and bacterial changes
• Staining: Discoloration of teeth
• Altered taste: Reduced taste sensitivity
• Dry mouth: Reduced saliva in some users

Why Snus Causes These Problems

Chemical Irritation

• Tobacco and additives directly irritate oral tissue
• pH levels of snus can damage mucosa
• Prolonged contact causes tissue changes

Nicotine Effects

• Constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to gums
• Impairs immune response in oral tissue
• Reduces gum's ability to heal and fight infection

Physical Trauma

• Constant pressure from snus portion
• Friction when placing and removing
• Abrasive particles in some products

Factors That Worsen Damage

• Duration of use: Longer use = more damage
• Frequency: More portions per day = more exposure
• Strength: Higher nicotine products may cause more vasoconstriction
• Placement: Always using same spot concentrates damage
• Poor oral hygiene: Compounds the effects

Oral Cancer Risk

The Evidence

• Swedish snus has lower cancer risk than American smokeless tobacco
• But risk is not zero—some studies show elevated oral cancer rates
• Risk is concentrated where snus is placed
• Long-term, heavy use increases risk

Warning Signs

See a dentist or doctor if you notice:

• Sores that don't heal within 2-3 weeks
• Red or white patches that persist
• Lumps or thickening in mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Numbness in mouth or lips
• Persistent pain

What Happens When You Quit

Immediate Changes (Days to Weeks)

• Blood flow to gums improves
• Inflammation begins to reduce
• Mouth feels different (healing process)
• Leukoplakia may start fading

Short-Term Recovery (1-3 Months)

• Leukoplakia often resolves completely
• Gum tissue becomes healthier
• Gum color may improve (less pale)
• Taste and smell recover
• Bad breath improves

Long-Term Recovery (Months to Years)

• Continued improvement in gum health
• Cancer risk gradually decreases
• Some gum recession may be permanent
• Overall oral health significantly better than continued use

Can Gum Recession Reverse?

Mild Recession

• May partially improve with good care
• Gums can reattach somewhat
• Best outcomes with early quitting

Moderate to Severe Recession

• Often permanent without treatment
• May require gum grafting surgery
• Quitting prevents further progression

What You Can Do

• Quit snus: Stop further damage—see our withdrawal timeline
• See a dentist: Assess damage and treatment options
• Excellent oral hygiene: Gentle brushing, flossing, antiseptic rinse
• Consider treatment: Gum grafts can restore tissue if needed

Protecting Your Mouth While Quitting

Oral Care Tips

• Brush gently twice daily with soft brush
• Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed
• Floss daily
• Consider antiseptic mouthwash
• Stay hydrated

Managing Oral Cravings

• Sugar-free gum
• Mints
• Herbal (tobacco-free, nicotine-free) pouches
• Crunchy vegetables
• Flavored toothpicks

Dental Visits

• Tell your dentist about your snus use and quit
• Get a thorough oral cancer screening
• Discuss any areas of concern
• Follow up on healing progress

Success Stories

"I used snus for 12 years and had significant gum recession on my upper lip. Six months after quitting, my dentist said the tissue looks much healthier, even if the recession is still there. At least it's not getting worse anymore."

"The white patches in my mouth that had been there for years disappeared within 2 months of quitting snus. My dentist was amazed at the improvement."

The Bottom Line

Snus causes real, visible damage to your mouth—gum recession, white patches, increased disease risk, and potentially cancer. While some damage may be permanent, quitting stops progression and allows significant healing.

Your mouth will thank you for quitting. The improvements start within days, and over months to years, your oral health will be dramatically better than if you continued using snus.