Why Quit? The Dangers of Chewing Tobacco and Dipping
Chewing tobacco and dipping are often marketed as “safer than smoking,” but that claim is misleading. Smokeless tobacco delivers high doses of nicotine and exposes the mouth and body to dozens of harmful chemicals—many of them cancer-causing. Quitting isn’t just about breaking a habit; it’s about protecting your long-term health. 1) Oral cancer risk is real and well-documented Smokeless tobacco products contain tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs)—some of the most potent carcinogens known. Increased risks include: Cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, and pancreas White or red patches (leukoplakia/erythroplakia) that can become cancerous Delayed diagnosis because damage starts painlessly Many oral cancers linked to dipping are aggressive and require surgery that can permanently affect speech, eating, and appearance. 2) Severe gum disease and tooth loss Dipping places tobacco directly against…



