You may have seen people around you chewing something in their mouths. Some people chew tobacco with betel leaves, while other young people use things that go by different names like "mawa" and "babul". Many people think that this is no more dangerous than smoking cigarettes, that it is a "harmless" habit. But is that really true? Today we are talking about smokeless tobacco, which many people ignore, but can be very dangerous.
What is smokeless tobacco?
Simply put, this refers to tobacco that is inhaled through other means, rather than smoking. This can be powdered tobacco or cut tobacco. It is usually held in the mouth, between the gums and cheeks, or between the lips and gums. Some types are inhaled through the nose. Although the smoke is not emitted like cigarettes, it is no less dangerous.
Just like cigarettes, this tobacco contains a highly addictive chemical called nicotine . When you put it in your mouth, nicotine is rapidly absorbed into the body through the delicate membranes inside your mouth. This nicotine is like a stimulant. That is, when it enters your body, your adrenaline hormone is produced more. Then your heart rate increases, and the amount of blood going to the brain and muscles increases. In addition, this nicotine binds to some receptors in the brain and releases a chemical called dopamine . This dopamine is what gives us a feeling of happiness and excitement. This temporary happiness is why people become so addicted to it.
What are the most common species in Sri Lanka?
In our country, smokeless tobacco can be found in various forms. Some are traditional, while others are new products aimed at the younger generation.
| Tobacco type | Description and use |
|---|---|
| Chewing Tobacco | These are dried tobacco leaves. In our country, they are most often seen with betel leaves . Many people chew a piece of tobacco with betel leaves, areca nut, and lime. The saliva produced by this is often expelled. |
| Powdered tobacco (Snuff / Dip) | These are finely ground tobacco. Various flavors like fruit and mint are added to this. Things like "mava" and "babul", which are popular among the youth, fall into this category. These are taken in small amounts and held between the gums and cheeks. Some dry powders are inhaled through the nose. |
| Snus | This is also a type of tobacco. But these come in packets that look like small tea bags. This packet is held between the upper lip and the gums. Although not very common in Sri Lanka, these can also come to the market. |
What are the serious risks of this practice?
Many people think that it is safe because you don't inhale the smoke. That is completely wrong. In fact, smokeless tobacco contains nearly 30 chemicals that can cause cancer. Of these, a group of chemicals called tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are the main carcinogens.
Remember, even though there is no smoke, the toxic chemicals are still being absorbed directly into your body. It's like holding a little bit of poison in your mouth.
Below are some of the major health risks that can arise from this habit.
| Risk | What is happening and explanation |
|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | |
| Head and neck cancer | These are the most common. The risk of developing cancer of the lips, gums, tongue, and inner lining of the cheeks (buccal mucosa) is very high. |
| Esophageal cancer | The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. This risk is caused by swallowing saliva released with tobacco. |
| Pancreatic cancer | The pancreas is an important organ that helps us digest food and control blood sugar levels. The toxins in tobacco smoke can increase the risk of cancer in this organ. |
| Other serious health problems | |
| Teeth and oral health | Yellow or brown stains on the teeth, tooth decay, and eventually tooth loss occur. Bad breath is also common. |
| White spots in the mouth (Leukoplakia) | These are white or gray spots that appear inside the mouth. These are a pre-cancerous condition that can turn into cancer . If you see a spot like this, you should see a doctor immediately. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | It significantly increases the risk of tachycardia, hypertension, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), stroke, and heart attack. |
Risks during pregnancy
If a pregnant mother uses these, it is very dangerous for the baby. This increases the chances of early labor and stillbirth .
Are there no benefits to this habit?
The short answer is, "There is no benefit."
Some people use this as a way to help them quit smoking. But it only moves them from one addiction to another. It doesn't get you rid of nicotine. If you are serious about quitting, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to advise you on the best and safest way to do so.
How do these affect the body?
When you smoke, the chemicals in it cause inflammation in your mouth, nose, and blood vessels. This inflammation damages the endothelium , the thin lining inside our blood vessels that helps them contract and expand. This causes fat to build up inside the blood vessels, making them more likely to become blocked.
In addition, these are the toxins in tobacco:
- It can cause liver damage (hepatic injury).
- It can also cause the cells of the liver and thyroid gland to die (apoptosis).
So is this better than smoking cigarettes?
No. This is another misconception that many people have. Both types of tobacco are equally dangerous, addictive, and cause serious health problems. The amount of nicotine in both is pretty much the same. So there is no such thing as one being better than the other. Both are equally bad.
Some people think that since it doesn't produce smoke, it doesn't bother others and is therefore easy to use. Others think that it is safer than cigarettes. But now you know that this is not the case. It is also very harmful and highly addictive.
If you haven't used these before, don't ever start. If you're already addicted to this habit, don't be ashamed to ask for help to break it. You're not alone. Talk to your doctor about this. He or she can give you the advice and support you need to break the habit.
Take-Home Message
- Smokeless tobacco is just as dangerous and addictive as cigarettes. It is not a "harmless" habit.
- Using these can lead to serious diseases such as oral cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
- It's a complete lie to say "it's safer than cigarettes."
- Using these to quit smoking will only move you from one addiction to another.
- If you need help breaking this habit, don't be shy and talk to your doctor.
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