You may have heard of smokeless tobacco. Some people think that these are not as harmful to the body as cigarettes, saying, "Just holding them in your mouth, what harm can they do?" But, in reality, the story is much more serious than that. Today, let's talk about this 'smokeless tobacco' or, as it is medically called, `(Smokeless Tobacco)`.
What is smokeless tobacco?
Simply put, these are tobacco sticks that are either powdered or made into small pieces. You hold them in your mouth, often between your cheek and gums, or behind your lips. Some people snort them or roll them on top of their nose. Most importantly, they don't inhale smoke like cigarettes.
But even though you don't smoke, the addictive chemical called ``Nicotine`` in this tobacco is absorbed directly into the body through the delicate tissues in your mouth or through the tissues of your nose. This ``Nicotine`` is a very strong, addictive substance. Also, it acts as a ``Stimulant``. That is, when it enters the body, a hormone called ``Adrenaline`` (adrenal glands)`` (adrenal glands) in our body is suddenly released. Imagine, this is the feeling of panic that you feel in a small emergency. Your heart rate increases, and at the same time, blood flow to the brain and muscles increases. Not only that, but nicotine binds to certain brain receptors and causes the release of a chemical called dopamine, which makes us feel happy and excited. This is why people become addicted to it so easily.
These are also called 'oral smokeless products' or 'nasal smokeless products'.
What are the two main types of people in America?
In the United States, these two types of smokeless tobacco are mainly found:
- Chewing tobacco (`(Chewing tobacco)`)
- Snuff
Now let's look at each of these a little bit.
Chewing tobacco (`(Chewing tobacco)`)
These are large, dried (pulled), dark brown tobacco leaves. They look like tea leaves. They may come in loose leaves, or in a compacted brick shape (`(Plug)`), or a twisted rope shape (`(Twist)`). People usually use their thumb and forefinger to pick up a small piece of the leaf and hold it between their cheek and gums, or behind their lips. The brick-like shape is broken off and chewed, and they place it in their mouth. Most people spit out the tobacco juice that accumulates while holding it in their mouth (spit it out). However, some people swallow some of it.
Snuff
Snuff is a finely ground tobacco. It can be either moist (also called "moist snuff" or "dip") or dry (dry snuff). Manufacturers add artificial flavors, mint flavors, fruit flavors, and other additives. Moist snuff is usually held between two fingers and held between the cheeks and gums or behind the lips. However, it is sometimes sold in very small pouches, such as tea bags. Dry snuff is usually inhaled through the nose.
What is 'Snus'?
Snus (pronounced "snoos") is a type of dried snuff powder. This one comes in a small pouch. Most people keep it between their upper lip and gums. Some people keep it under their tongue. This type of snuff was first popularized in Sweden.
What are the dangers of using these? (Dangers)
Did you know that smokeless tobacco contains about 30 chemicals that have been found to cause cancer? Of these, the most carcinogenic is a group of chemicals called TSNAs (Tobacco-specific nitrosamines). Using these increases your risk of developing these types of cancers:
- Head and neck cancers : These include lip cancer, gum cancer, tongue cancer, and buccal mucosa cancer. Imagine, these cancers can develop in the same places you hold your tobacco.
- Esophageal cancer : The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and drink from our throat to our stomach. Cancer can also develop in this part of the body.
- Pancreatic cancer : The pancreas is a large gland located inside our abdomen. It produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones that control blood sugar levels. This important organ is also at risk of developing cancer.
In addition to cancer, smokeless tobacco use can cause a number of other health problems, including:
- Unsightly stains on teeth, tooth decay, and premature tooth loss.
- White patches inside the mouth (Leukoplakia) - These can sometimes turn into cancer.
- Periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede.
- Excessive heart rate (Tachycardia)
- High blood pressure (`(Hypertension)`)
- Irregular heartbeat (`(Atrial arrhythmia)`)
- Stroke
- Myocardial infarction (`(Myocardial infarction)`)
Also, if a mother uses smokeless tobacco during pregnancy, the risk of premature birth (meaning the baby may be born before the due date) and stillbirth (`(Stillbirth)`) is very high. This is something that is definitely worth remembering.
Are there any benefits to 'dipping' (holding tobacco in your mouth)? Really?
A big misconception among many people, especially young people, is that since you don't smoke, there is no harm in using 'mouth tobacco' or 'dip', and that it is 'safe'. But, let me tell you, that is a complete lie! The chemicals that are absorbed by the delicate tissues of your mouth, the things that are swallowed with saliva, all contain the aforementioned `(Nicotine)`, as well as many other dangerous, carcinogenic chemicals.
Simply put, smokeless tobacco is not safe at all. It can cause a number of serious diseases that can threaten your life.
Some people turn to smokeless tobacco as a way to help them quit smoking. However, the reality is that not only does it not help them quit smoking, but it can also lead to them becoming more addicted to smokeless tobacco instead of cigarettes. If you are a smoker and really want to quit, please consult a doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend a safe and effective method for you.
What happens to your body when you put a 'dip' in your mouth?
When you use smokeless tobacco, the chemicals you inhale can cause inflammation in your mouth, nose, and blood vessels. This inflammation can damage the lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) that helps them to contract and dilate. When this endothelium is damaged, or when there is increased endothelial inflammation, plaque builds up inside the blood vessels, which can clog them. Secondary infections – the development of another infection while one is being treated – can also occur.
This inflammation caused by smokeless tobacco can lead to more serious consequences:
- Your liver may be damaged (`(Hepatic injury)`).
- Cells in the liver and thyroid gland can self-destruct (apoptosis - this is called programmed cell death).
So is holding tobacco in your mouth worse than smoking a cigarette?
This is a question that many people ask. The truth is, using any form of tobacco is highly addictive and can cause a number of serious health problems. The amount of nicotine in both smokeless tobacco and cigarettes is roughly the same. Therefore, there is no such thing as one being 'better' than the other. Both are equally harmful.
Are these legal? (Situation in America)
In the United States, you must be at least 21 years of age to purchase any tobacco product – including cigarettes, e-cigarettes (also known as vapes), cigars, and smokeless tobacco. (The law in Sri Lanka may be different, so it is important to be aware of this.)
Finally, things you need to remember
Some people use smokeless tobacco mistakenly thinking that it is safer than cigarettes. Others think that since it does not emit smoke, it can be used easily without anyone noticing, and that it is just 'fun'. Some young people are tempted to use it to show 'moderation'. Others think that it will help them quit smoking.
But, I repeat, these are all misconceptions. The truth is, smokeless tobacco is very harmful and highly addictive. And, it will never help you get rid of `(Nicotine)`. The chemicals in smokeless tobacco can cause serious, possibly lifelong, damage to your health in the long run.
If you haven't used smokeless tobacco yet, that's great. Don't ever, for any reason, start using it.
If you are already using these, please understand that there is no shame in asking for help to stop. You are not alone in this battle.
Doctors can answer any questions you may have and help you decide what is best for you to do to help you quit this dangerous habit. They may be able to refer you to support groups or other resources. Nowadays, there are services like texting and apps that can help you quit smoking. So, get help today.
` Smokeless Tobacco, Nicotine, Cancer, Health Risks, Tobacco Addiction, Tobacco Cessation
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