Swedish snuff (snus) and its effects on oral health: an update

Swedish snus (smokeless moist tobacco) is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Consumption and import of snus are permitted in Switzerland, however, sales were prohibited in 2004 by the European Court. Snus is an addictive nicotine containing product, which additionally contains carcinogenic nitrosamines. Both consumers and oral health professionals are lacking important information on the health consequences. The present paper therefore reviews the impact of snus consumption on oral health. For all snus consumers and particularly for adolescents, more detailed information should be provided by oral health professionals. Specifically with heavy snus users, more frequent follow-up is recommended to detect potential precancerous lesions or neoplasias in early stages.