Consuming responsibly: how chewing tobacco works

How long does snus take effect? How long do I keep it in my mouth before taking it out? Questions like these come up again and again. Because Germany is still a very young market, not many people know much about how to use these products. Here we explain the essentials.

How long do smoke-free tobacco products last?

Smoke-free tobacco products generally last between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the strength and the intensity of chewing. Over this time the nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa.

What happens if you swallow snus?

The pouches are made of cellulose and pass through undigested. This is largely harmless. Only in children does swallowing several pouches of chewing tobacco pose a risk of poisoning, and immediate action should be taken. For adults with experience of nicotine there is no medical emergency. The saliva from chewing tobacco can, however, cause nausea and dizziness and should always be spat out.

Snus gums: preventing damage in the mouth

To prevent damage to the gums, the position of the pouch can be varied: under the upper lip, under the lower lip, or in the cheek. Changing position can spare the gums and prevent what is colloquially called „snus gums“. In addition, an appropriate break should be taken between two nicotine pouches in order to give the mouth a rest.

More on health aspects in the comparison chewing tobacco vs. smoking and on chewing tobacco varieties and strength. To the shop: chewing tobacco range. For adults aged 18 and over only.

Read on in the chewing tobacco guide