The Correlation of Swedish Snus, Nicotine Pouches and Other Tobacco Products with Oral Mucosal health and Salivary Biomarkers

Introduction:
This text provides a summary of a scientific study examining the effects of various tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products such as Swedish snus and nicotine pouches, on oral mucosal health and salivary biomarkers. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the oral health implications of using these products.

Key Points:

* The study included 76 participants, divided into four groups based on their tobacco product usage.
* Oral examinations were conducted, and saliva samples were taken to detect the presence of IL-6, IL-1, IL-8, TNF alpha, and LRG-1 biomarkers.
* The results showed that e-cigarettes were used more by women, but snus was used more by men.
* Mucosal changes were seen in snus users, mostly male, who used at least 5-10 tobacco units (sachets) per day for at least 5-10 years.
* Increased IL-6 levels in saliva were detected in respondents who experienced mucosal changes.
* Snus users had high IL-1, IL6, IL8, TNF alpha, and LRG1 levels in saliva.
* The study suggests that saliva, as an easily available biofluid, could be used as a first tool to detect potentially precancerous signs, but further studies are needed to establish its clinical use.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring the oral health effects of new and emerging tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products like Swedish snus and nicotine pouches. The research indicates that these products can have negative impacts on oral mucosal health, and highlights the potential of using saliva as a non-invasive tool for early detection of precancerous signs. however, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish the clinical applicability of this approach.

Miluna, S., Melderis, R., Briuka, L., Skadins, I., Broks, R., Kroica, J., & Rostoka, D. (2022). The Correlation of Swedish Snus, Nicotine Pouches and Other Tobacco Products with Oral Mucosal health and Salivary Biomarkers. Dentistry Journal, 10(8), 154. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10080154