Health Risks Related to Smokeless Tobacco
Topic Overview
Smokeless tobacco products include chewing tobacco and snuff. These products are less harmful than smoking cigarettes. But they are just as addictive as cigarettes and do have serious health risks.
Smokeless tobacco causes the following health risks: footnote 1
- White, leathery patches ( leukoplakia ) that form on the inside of the cheek or on the gum. These patches can turn into cancer of the mouth ( oral cancer ), involving the lip, tongue, or cheek.
- Dental problems, such as abrasion of teeth, gum recessions, and periodontal bone loss.
- An increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Nicotine from smokeless tobacco can lead to nicotine dependence. This can make quitting smokeless tobacco just as hard as quitting cigarettes.
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Current as of: March 12, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Michael F. Bierer MD - Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine
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Current as of: March 12, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Michael F. Bierer MD - Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine