Health Information
Health Risks Related to Smokeless Tobacco
Topic Overview
Smokeless tobacco products include chewing tobacco and snuff. Although these products are less harmful than smoking cigarettes, they are just as addictive as cigarettes and do have serious health risks.
Smokeless tobacco causes the following health risks:Reference 1
- White, leathery patches (Reference leukoplakia Opens New Window) that form on the inside of the cheek or on the gum. These patches can turn into cancer of the mouth (Reference oral cancer Opens New Window), 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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 15, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry |
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