Health Risks Related to Smokeless Tobacco
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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.
References
Citations
- Fiore MC, et al. (2008). Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also available online: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/treating_tobacco_use08.pdf.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMichael F. Bierer, MD - Internal Medicine,
Current as ofMarch 20, 2017
Current as of:
March 20, 2017
Fiore MC, et al. (2008). Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also available online: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/treating_tobacco_use08.pdf.