Smokeless tobacco products contain addictive nicotine and dangerous chemicals, just like cigarettes. While they may not have a direct effect on your lungs like cigarettes, they can cause a number of problems with your oral and overall health.
SMOKELESS TOBACCO
The Effects of Using Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is processed with just about as much sugar as you’d find in candy. That little pinch of product between your cheek and gums can lead to:
- Stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Receding gums
- Tooth abrasions, which can lead to sensitive teeth
- Periodontal disease, which can lead to further infection, tooth loss, and the loss of bone mass
The Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco
Using chewing tobacco can also lead to cancer. In one out of 20-25 people, a simple mouth sore can become cancerous; even when it doesn’t, smokeless tobacco can lead to other health conditions such as stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
To prevent these problems, avoid smokeless tobacco at all costs. Contrary to what you may have been told, it is NOT a better alternative to smoking.
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