The Health Effects of
Spit Tobacco
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- Addiction:
All tobacco including spit tobacco contains nicotine. The amount of nicotine absorbed from smokeless tobacco is 3 to 4 times the amount delivered by a cigarette. Nicotine is absorbed more slowly from smokeless tobacco than from cigarettes, but more nicotine per dose is absorbed from smokeless tobacco than from cigarettes. Also, the nicotine stays in the bloodstream for a longer time.
- Cancer:
The risk of cancer of the cheek and gums may increase nearly 50 fold among long term spit tobacco users.
Spit tobacco users also increase their risk for cancer of the:
-Lip, Tongue, Floor and roof of the mouth, Pharynx, Larynx, Esophagus, Stomach, Pancreas
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Oral Lesions
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Gum Recession
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- Leukoplakia:
When you hold tobacco in one place in your mouth, your mouth becomes irritated by the tobacco juice. This causes a white, leathery like patch to form, and this is called leukoplakia. These patches can be different in size, shape, and appearance.
They are also considered pre-cancerous. Studies have found that 60 to 78 percent of spit tobacco users have oral lesions.
- Heart disease:
The constant flow of nicotine into your body causes many side effects including: increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and sometimes irregular heart beats (this leads to a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes). Nicotine in the body also causes constricted blood vessels which can slow down reaction time and cause dizziness, not a good move if you play Sports.
- Gum and tooth Disease and Decay:
Spit tobacco permanently discolors teeth. Chewing tobacco causes halitosis. It’s direct and repeated contact with the gums causes them to recede, which can cause your teeth to fall out. Spit tobacco, when mixed with the plaque on your teeth, forms acid that eats away at tooth enamel, causes cavities, and chronic painful sores. One study found that 60% of spit tobacco users had gingival recession.
- Loss of sense of taste and smell:
Chewing tobacco lessens a person's sense of taste and ability to smell. As a result, users tend to eat more salty and sweet foods, both of which are harmful if consumed in excess.
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