Tobacco Pouches (Snus): What Young People and Parents Need to Know
Over recent months, we’ve seen a growing number of young people using tobacco and nicotine pouches, often referred to as “snus”. These products are becoming more visible in local shops, frequently displayed in bright, colourful tins on shop counters, which can make them look harmless — or even similar to sweets.
However, despite how they are marketed and perceived, snus and nicotine pouches are not risk-free, especially for young people.
This blog explains what they are, why young people are using them, the health risks, and what parents and carers should look out for.
What Are Snus and Tobacco / Nicotine Pouches?
Snus and similar products are small pouches placed between the upper lip and the gum. They release nicotine directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.
Some pouches contain tobacco, while others contain synthetic nicotine — but both are designed to deliver high levels of nicotine quickly.
They are often:
Mint or fruit flavoured
Sold in bright packaging
Small and easy to hide
Used without producing smoke or vapour
This can make them appear less harmful than smoking or vaping, but this is misleading.
Why Are Young People Using Them?
Young people tell us that tobacco and nicotine pouches are:
Easy to buy in local shops
Highly visible at checkout counters
Seen as “not as bad as vaping or smoking”
Easy to use discreetly in school or at home
Because they don’t produce smoke or vapour, they are sometimes viewed as low-risk, when in reality they still expose young people to addictive levels of nicotine.
Health Risks and Consequences
⚠️ Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive, particularly for developing teenage brains. Regular use can lead to:
Strong cravings
Difficulty concentrating without nicotine
Mood changes and irritability
Increased risk of progressing to other nicotine products
Once dependency develops, stopping can be extremely difficult.
🦷 Gum and Dental Damage
Because the pouch sits directly against the gum, long-term use can cause:
Gum irritation and inflammation
Gum recession (where the gum pulls away from the teeth)
Increased tooth sensitivity
Mouth sores and ulcers
Tooth staining and decay
In some cases, damage can become permanent and require dental treatment.
❤️ Longer-Term Health Concerns
While research is still developing, smokeless tobacco and nicotine products have been linked to:
Increased risk of oral health conditions
Higher blood pressure and heart strain
Potential links to oral cancers with long-term tobacco exposure
No nicotine product is completely safe — especially for young people whose bodies and brains are still developing.
What Should Parents and Carers Look Out For?
Because these products are small and discreet, they can be easy to miss.
Signs may include:
Small round tins or sachets in pockets or bags
Young people frequently placing something under their lip
Complaints of sore gums, mouth pain, or ulcers
Increased irritability or mood swings
Strong mint smells on breath
It’s also worth being aware that many young people don’t realise these products contain nicotine, or how addictive they can be.
Talking to Young People About Snus and Nicotine Pouches
If you’re concerned, try to:
Stay calm and non-judgemental
Ask what they know about the product
Explain the health and addiction risks clearly
Offer support rather than punishment
Many young people start using these products due to peer pressure or misinformation, not because they fully understand the consequences.
How Youth Unity Supports Young People
At Youth Unity, we regularly talk with young people about:
Nicotine addiction
Peer pressure
Making informed choices about health
Where to access help if they want to stop
Our wellbeing, mentoring and outreach programmes provide safe spaces for young people to ask questions, share concerns, and get reliable information without judgement.
If you are worried about a young person or would like support, please get in touch with us through our website.
Final Message
Snus and tobacco or nicotine pouches are not harmless alternatives to smoking or vaping. They are designed to deliver nicotine efficiently and can lead to addiction and long-term dental and health problems, particularly for young people.
Raising awareness early — among both young people and parents — is key to preventing long-term harm.
➡️ If you’d like support or advice, contact Youth Unity or speak to your school or GP for further guidance.
