Version July 2025
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What is smokeless tobacco? —
This is any kind of tobacco product that is not smoked. They are usually put in the mouth.
There are many different types of smokeless tobacco, including snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco. They use tobacco leaves that might be loose, cut, powdered, or in a small pouch.
Is smokeless tobacco safer than smoking cigarettes? —
People who use smokeless tobacco instead of cigarettes might have lower risks of certain diseases. But "smokeless" does not mean it is safe. All forms of tobacco come with risks. Avoiding tobacco in all forms is best for your health.
Smokeless tobacco products contain harmful substances, such as:
●Nicotine – This is the ingredient in cigarettes that makes them addictive.
●Small amounts of metals and chemicals
●Other ingredients with unknown health effects
What problems can smokeless tobacco cause? —
Smokeless tobacco can cause many health problems. These can include:
●Nicotine dependence or addiction – Many smokeless tobacco products might have less nicotine than regular cigarettes. But it is still possible to become dependent. People who only use smokeless tobacco occasionally might start wanting to do it more and more.
People who use smokeless tobacco a lot might:
•Have high levels of nicotine in their body – Some have levels that are similar to those in people who smoke.
•Be more likely to start smoking cigarettes – Smoking is known to increase a person's risk of serious health problems. These can include heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, infection, and cancer.
●Problems in the mouth – The chemicals in smokeless tobacco products can irritate the teeth and gums. This can lead to:
•Gum disease, which can make teeth get loose and fall out
•Stained teeth
•Bad breath
•Not being able to taste as well
•Mouth sores
●Cancer – Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of certain kinds of cancers. These include mouth, throat, and pancreatic cancer.
●Problems during and after pregnancy – Smokeless tobacco can be very dangerous for a developing baby. Using smokeless tobacco while pregnant can increase the chances of:
•Preterm birth – This is when a baby is born too early.
•Stillbirth – This is when a baby dies before it is born, in the second half of a pregnancy (after 20 weeks) or during labor.
•Problems in the baby – Smokeless tobacco might increase the chance of some problems, including certain disabilities.
●Nicotine poisoning – Smokeless tobacco products usually have less nicotine than cigarettes. But nicotine poisoning is still possible, especially if you use more than 1 kind of tobacco product. It's very important to keep smokeless tobacco products out of the reach of children. Even small amounts of nicotine can be dangerous for them.
People who use smokeless tobacco might have a higher risk for other problems, like heart disease and stroke.
What are the risks of smokeless tobacco for young people? —
Young people who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become dependent on nicotine. Nicotine can be harmful to a young person's developing brain. Smokeless tobacco might also increase the risk they will start smoking cigarettes. This can lead to serious health problems.
Many companies that make smokeless tobacco advertise directly to children and teens that appeal to young people. For example, they sell products with different flavors. Peer pressure can also lead some young people to try smokeless tobacco.
If you have or live with children or teens, it's important to:
●Be aware they might hear about smokeless tobacco or know people who use it.
●Know what the different types look like.
●Talk openly with them about the risks. If they don't have correct information, they might think smokeless tobacco is safe.
Can smokeless tobacco help me quit smoking? —
Because of the risks that come with smokeless tobacco, doctors do not recommend smokeless tobacco to help quit smoking. Doctors recommend using medicines and counseling to quit smoking.
If you want to quit smoking, your doctor or nurse can help you make a plan. Quitting isn't easy, but it's one of the best things you can do for your health.
What if I need help quitting smokeless tobacco? —
If you want to stop smokeless tobacco but are having trouble, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help you quit with medicines and/or counseling, similar to quitting smoking.
Patient education: Harmful health effects of smoking (The Basics)
Patient education: Quitting smoking for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Quitting smoking for teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Mouth sores (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol and drug use in pregnancy (The Basics)
