What health problems are associated with smokeless forms of tobacco?

While smokeless tobacco products may not involve inhaling smoke, they are still associated with several health risks:

Oral Cancer: Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer, including cancer of the gums, cheeks, and tongue. The nicotine and other chemicals in smokeless tobacco can damage the DNA of oral cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer.

Gum Disease: Smokeless tobacco can cause gum recession, exposing the tooth roots and increasing the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity.

Cardiovascular Problems: Studies have linked long-term use of smokeless tobacco to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Leukoplakia: Chewing tobacco causes leukoplakia, characterized by thick, whitish patches on the inner cheeks or gums. They usually appear harmless but sometimes develop into oral cancer. These are the first warning signs of cancer, and one needs to stop using chew for their safety. Some chew users tend to ignore them, which is not at all healthy for them..

Nicotine Dependency: Even though using smokeless tobacco reduces nicotine intake compared to smoking, it carries an addiction risk because nicotine in smokeless tobacco is also absorbed by the mucous membranes in the mouth

These risks highlight the importance of cessation strategies and education campaigns to discourage the use of smokeless tobacco products due to their potential impacts on overall health.