Smokeless tobacco refers to a variety of tobacco products that are not smoked. These include chewing tobacco (plug, twist or wad) and snuff. They are usually placed between the cheek or gum and lip. They contain nicotine and chemicals that may cause cancer.
Chewing tobacco and snuff are not a safe substitute for cigarettes. They can cause mouth and throat cancer, nicotine addiction, bad breath and other health problems.
It is not a cigarette
Smokeless tobacco is a popular alternative to cigarettes, but it is not a safe or healthy choice. It contains the same addictive chemical, nicotine, and can cause health problems. It also stains and discolors teeth and may increase the risk of gum disease. It can also cause white patches in the mouth (leukoplakia), which can turn into mouth cancer. It can also cause gum recession and bone loss. The grit and sand in smokeless tobacco can wear away the enamel on the teeth, which raises cavity risk. It also reduces saliva flow, which makes it harder to remove cavity-causing bacteria.
Many people use smokeless tobacco to relieve stress or boredom. However, there are other ways to deal with these issues. These include taking a walk, listening to music, and deep-breathing exercises. Quitting smokeless tobacco can be difficult. It is important to get support from friends and family. Moreover, it is helpful to attend a quit smoking program.
It is not safe
Smokeless tobacco is not a safe substitute for cigarettes. All forms of smokeless tobacco can cause serious health problems and are addictive. Inhaling nicotine can damage the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, and mood. It can also increase the risk of future addiction to other drugs.
Some people believe that smokeless tobacco products are safer than cigarettes, including the newer types of snus and dissolvables. But more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these products.
Regular use of smokeless tobacco increases your risk of mouth, throat and pancreas cancer. It can also cause small white patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia) that are precancerous. It can also cause gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. You should visit your dentist regularly for a full dental examination to make sure that your mouth, cheeks and tongue are healthy.
It is addictive
Smokeless tobacco is addictive and can cause serious health problems. It is a major risk factor for mouth, throat, pancreas, heart and lung disease. It also causes gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss. Moreover, smokeless tobacco contains many other harmful chemicals, including nicotine and cancer-causing substances. It can also lead to other diseases, such as depression, addiction and mental illness.
Using smokeless tobacco increases your chances of developing small white patches in the mouth called leukoplakia, which are precancerous. It can also increase your risk of other types of cancer, as well as heart disease and stroke.
You can reduce your use of smokeless tobacco by finding healthier ways to deal with stress and boredom. For example, you could try exercising, eating more fruits and vegetables, or using deep-breathing exercises to relax. You can also set a goal to quit smoking. This can help you stay motivated when cravings come along. You can also reward yourself for staying on track with your quit plan.
It is a health hazard
All forms of smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, snuff, and spitless cigarette alternatives, contain nicotine and other chemicals that can harm the body. These chemicals include those that are known to cause cancer, as well as other health problems. They also increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs, especially in teens.
The use of smokeless tobacco can also cause mouth sores and tooth decay, and it can affect the ability to taste and smell. It can even lead to cancer of the mouth, throat, and pancreas. In addition, it increases the chances of developing small white patches in the mouth called leukoplakia (loo-koh-PLAY-key-uh), which can turn into precancerous or cancerous sores.
Some of the newer types of smokeless tobacco, such as snus and dissolvable tobacco, have not been studied as thoroughly as chewing tobacco and snuff. However, they do still contain nicotine and chemicals that can increase a person’s risk for cancer, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines.