Chewing bags are now more popular than cigarettes in Sweden, and their consumption is continuously rising in other countries. Often considered a less harmful alternative to smoking, many former smokers use them as a cigarette substitute. But how dangerous are chewing bags really, and what are the health consequences of their use?
In this article, we aim to highlight the negative effects and explain what exactly is in chewing bags and how they should be used. Additionally, we'll introduce some chewing bag products that actually make a good alternative to cigarettes.
What Is in Chewing Bags?
Chewing bags traditionally consist of water, salt, flavors, and tobacco. The tobacco is finely ground and can be either loose or packed in paper pouches (portioned chewing bags). The nicotine content of chewing bags varies depending on the product, and there are even brands that are completely tobacco-free. These nicotine pouches without tobacco are called All White Portions and are considered less harmful than tobacco-containing chewing bags. Since most products contain nicotine, they are, by definition, addictive.
28 carcinogenic substances have been found in smokeless products containing tobacco, whereas cigarettes contain more than 60 carcinogens. North American chewing bags contain nitrosamines, a chemical compound that can cause cancer in high concentrations. However, Swedish chewing bags do not contain nitrosamines, as production is regulated by the food authority and these substances are banned. This may be why no scientific links between Swedish chewing bags and cancer have been found.
Because the product is placed under the upper lip during consumption, chewing bags are often associated with negative effects on oral hygiene and health, as every user may experience some degree of gum irritation. When the product is moistened in the mouth, the nicotine enters the bloodstream and exerts its effects.
Chewing Bags and Oral Health
A study by the University of Bern examined the effects of chewing bags on oral hygiene. Common diseases include leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma. Leukoplakia refers to a white discoloration of the oral mucosa that can potentially develop into cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant skin tumor. As mentioned earlier, North American chewing bags may contain nitrosamines, which could be linked to oral cancer. However, there is currently no statistically comprehensive study that establishes this connection, nor is there one for Swedish chewing bags.
Chewing bags can also lead to periodontal diseases like periodontitis, gum recession, and cavities. Because the pouches are in direct contact with the teeth and gums, teeth may become stained from chewing bags. Some first-time users report a burning sensation in their gums after use. Long-term use can cause gum inflammation and recession. Therefore, proper oral hygiene is crucial.
Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes
Daily users of chewing bags have been found to have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, these effects were not permanent and subsided once the use of chewing bags was stopped. There is still insufficient data on the long-term effects, but Swedish health statistics are telling: the lowest lung cancer rates globally and, compared to other nations, no increased rates of oral cancer.
How Do Chewing Bags Compare to Cigarettes?
Both cigarettes and chewing bags contain nicotine, which is addictive and can have health consequences. Since there is no combustion process with chewing bags, fewer harmful substances are released compared to cigarettes. Thus, the potential harm is lower with chewing bags, though their use is not completely risk-free. Chewing bags, like other indulgences, should be consumed in moderation. Moreover, the use of chewing bags eliminates the risk of passive smoking.
Because the pouches are made from cellulose, they are biodegradable. For the environment, chewing bags are certainly a better alternative to smoking.
Those planning to quit smoking can try snus without nicotine or tobacco. All White Pouches contain no tobacco and do not stain the teeth. Popular brands include edel and Velo. The completely nicotine-free product from the brand edel is Edel CBD Mint, which contains neither nicotine nor tobacco and is an excellent substitute for cigarettes.
