Effects Due to Chewing & Smoking Tobacco

Tobacco can be smoked or chewed; tobacco causes many diseases. Tobacco contains nicotine, which makes it an addictive drug.

• Cigarettes

Heart Disease

• Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to heart disease. People who smoke or chew tobacco have higher blood pressure and higher blood cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Cancer

• Tobacco causes the following types of cancer: lip, mouth, lung, esophagus, pharynx, larynx (voice box), uterine, bladder, pancreas and kidney.

  Chewing tobacco causes leukoplakia, which are pre-cancerous mouth lesions. The lesions can go away if you stop chewing tobacco.

Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

• According to The Gum Disease-Smoking Project, chewing or smoking tobacco kills healthy tissue in your mouth by "causing small blood vessels to constrict which reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to gum tissue." Unhealthy gums pull away from your teeth, causing gingivitis and periodontal disease.

  Chewing tobacco causes your teeth to decay, according to the Mayo clinic. Tobacco has a high sugar content and course particles that may scratch off tooth enamel.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

• Smoking while pregnant can cause your baby to be born at a lower than average birth weight. Cigarette smoke has also been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Lung Illnesses

• Smokers get emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia and other lung illnesses more frequently.

Decreases Sense of Smell and Taste

• Smoking and chewing tobacco decrease your sense of taste and smell.