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Summary
Many people who chew tobacco or dip snuff think it's safer than smoking. But you don't have to smoke tobacco for it to be dangerous. Chewing or dipping carries risks like
- Cancer of the mouth
- Decay of exposed tooth roots
- Pulling away of the gums from the teeth
- White patches or red sores in the mouth that can turn to cancer
Recent research shows the dangers of smokeless tobacco may go beyond the mouth. It might also play a role in other cancers, heart disease and stroke.
Smokeless tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that makes it hard to stop using tobacco once you start. Having a quit date and a quitting plan can help you stop successfully.
NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Health Risks of Smokeless Tobacco (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
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Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
Prevention and Risk Factors
- BeTobaccoFree.gov (Department of Health and Human Services)
Related Issues
- Cancer and Tobacco Use (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
- Smokeless Tobacco: Health Effects (Department of Health and Human Services)
Specifics
- Chewing Tobacco: Not a Safe Alternative to Cigarettes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
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E-Cigs, Menthol, and Dip
(National Cancer Institute, Tobacco Control Research Branch)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Tobacco, Smokeless
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Current status of periodontitis and its association with tobacco use amongst...
- Article: Relationship between chewing tobacco, smoking, consuming alcohol and cognitive impairment among...
- Article: Harm Perceptions and Beliefs about Potential Modified Risk Tobacco Products.
- Smokeless Tobacco -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Children
- Smoking Stinks! (For Kids) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Teenagers
- Smokeless Tobacco (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.