While they may seem like safer alternatives to smoking, the side effects of chewing tobacco and nicotine packets are just as dangerous.
Despite common misconceptions, using these products can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. In fact, statistics reveal that chewing tobacco and, more recently, popular nicotine packets contribute to a variety of cancers and other health issues, even without the inhalation of smoke.
What are the side effects of chewing tobacco?
When considering the side effects of chewing tobacco, it’s essential to understand that it falls under the category of smokeless tobacco products, which also includes snuff and dip. These products involve placing tobacco directly in the mouth, where it is absorbed through the lining of the cheek and gum.
While many think this method of use reduces harm because it doesn’t involve smoking, that assumption is incorrect. Chewing tobacco contains a variety of cancer-causing chemicals known as tobacco-specific nitrosamines, which form during the curing and processing of the tobacco. These chemicals can increase the risk of developing cancers, including cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and pancreas.
Nicotine packets: a new trend with familiar dangers
Nicotine packets, often marketed as a modern form of smokeless tobacco, are small pouches containing nicotine and other substances, which are placed in the mouth similarly to chewing tobacco. While they do not contain actual tobacco, they deliver finely ground nicotine, which still presents serious health risks.
Users may perceive nicotine packets as a safe alternative to smoking, but the potential dangers shouldn’t be overlooked. Although nicotine itself may not be a direct cause of cancer, it plays a significant role in promoting addiction and sustaining the use of harmful products. This can lead to prolonged exposure to toxic substances found in smokeless tobacco, increasing the chances of developing various health problems.
Health effects of smokeless tobacco products
The health effects of smokeless tobacco extend far beyond cancer. Regular users of these products face a heightened risk of heart disease and stroke due to nicotine’s effects on the cardiovascular system. Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow and increases blood pressure, which can strain the heart. This is particularly concerning for smokeless tobacco users who may have pre-existing conditions or be at risk for heart problems.
Other health risks include tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. The abrasive nature of chewing tobacco can wear down tooth enamel, while the constant exposure to irritants can cause the formation of white patches in the mouth, known as leukoplakia, which are often precursors to cancer. Additionally, the use of nicotine packets can worsen these oral health issues due to the acidic nature of the products.
What are some myths about smokeless tobacco?
Myth: Chewing tobacco is a “safer” alternative to smoking because it doesn’t involve inhaling smoke.
Fact: The lack of smoke does not equate to safety. Chewing tobacco exposes users to multiple cancer-causing chemicals and increases the risk of cancers, particularly in the mouth and throat. The misconception that it is less harmful may lead people to use it more frequently or in larger amounts, further increasing their exposure to these dangerous substances.
Myth: Nicotine packets are harmless because they don’t contain tobacco.
Fact: While nicotine packets do not contain actual tobacco, they still deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive. This can lead to continued or increased use of other types of smokeless tobacco products, thus raising the risk of developing health complications.
What are some common questions about smokeless tobacco?
Q: What effect does chewing tobacco have on the body?
A: Chewing tobacco can lead to a variety of health problems, including cancer of the mouth, heart disease, and oral health issues such as tooth decay and tooth loss. It also exposes users to cancer-causing chemicals and contributes to addiction.
Q: What is a major risk of chewing tobacco?
A: The primary risks are cancers of the mouth, throat, and pancreas, along with increased risk of heart disease due to the harmful effects of nicotine on the cardiovascular system.
Q: Is chewing tobacco worse than smoking?
A: Both have serious health risks. While chewing tobacco may result in different types of cancer compared to smoking, it is not a safer alternative.
Q: How harmful are nicotine pouches?
A: Nicotine pouches still pose health risks due to nicotine’s addictive nature and its effects on blood pressure and oral health. Although they do not contain tobacco, the addiction they foster can encourage continued use of more harmful smokeless products.
Q: How unhealthy is nicotine?
A: Nicotine is not just addictive; it has been linked to various negative health effects, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and potentially adverse developmental impacts on the brain.
The side effects of chewing tobacco and nicotine packets should not be underestimated, as their risks extend well beyond the mouth, contributing to heart disease, cancer and other serious conditions.
Do you need to speak to a health care professional about your tobacco habit? Find a Mercy Health primary care provider near you.
