What Can Chewing Tobacco Do to Me?
Chewing can cause bad breath and yellowish-brown stains on your teeth. You'll also get mouth sores — nearly three quarters of spit tobacco users have them.
It gets a lot more serious, though. Chewing and spitting tobacco can cause:
• cracking and bleeding lips and gums
• receding gums, which can eventually make the teeth fall out
• increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats, all leading to a greater risk of heart attacks and brain damage (from a stroke)
• cancer
Cancer of the mouth (oral cancer) can happen in the lips, the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, the cheeks, or gums.
Cancer from chewing tobacco doesn't just happen in the mouth. Some of the cancer-causing agents in the tobacco can get into the lining of your stomach, your esophagus, and your bladder.
Quitting the Dipping
If you're a dipper, think about quitting. When you decide to quit, tell friends or family so you have people around to support you.
Try these tips for breaking the habit:
• Use nicotine gum or a patch (ask your doctor about these options first).
• Use substitutes such as tobacco-free, mint-leaf snuff; sugarless gum; hard candy; beef jerky; sunflower seeds; shredded coconut; raisins; or dried fruit.
• Distract yourself with healthier activities: lifting weights, shooting baskets, going for a swim, etc.
It's tough to quit. Backsliding is common, so don't give up trying. Your chances of success increase with each try!
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: June 2014