Smokeless Tobacco Quiz

In reality, it can cause serious long-term health problems. Tobacco in any form contains cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines, as well as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, hydrazine, arsenic, nickel, cadmium, benzopyrene and polonium (which gives off radiation). Although smokeless tobacco doesn't cause lung cancer, it does cause cancers of the lip, tongue, cheek and throat. Holding tobacco against your mouth tissues irritates them and can cause white patches called leukoplakia to form. These patches are considered to be pre-cancerous.

Chewing tobacco is sold in leaf form, plug form or in twist form. It is placed in the side of the mouth, between the cheek and the gum. Snuff is powdered tobacco sold dry, moist or in sachet bags. It is placed in the front of the mouth, between the lower lip and gum.

The incidence of oral cancer generally increases with age, with the greatest increase in rates occurring between ages 30 and 69. Overall, the incidence rate for oral cancer has been gradually decreasing over the last two decades, according to the American Cancer Society. The death rates for oral cancer also have been declining, with more than 80 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer surviving at least one year. The mortality rate generally increases with age.

See your doctor or dentist immediately if you notice any of these signs.

It may also increase the risk of blood clots.

It's disfiguring, however, because it can lead to surgical removal of the teeth, palate, jaw and tongue. If you use smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for some of these early signs of oral cancer: a mouth sore that doesn't heal; a lump or white patch in the mouth; a prolonged sore throat; difficulty in chewing; restricted movement of the tongue or jaws; a feeling of something in the throat. Pain is rarely an early symptom. For this reason, all tobacco users need regular dental checkups.

Smokeless tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes. Holding an average-size pinch or dip in the mouth for 30 minutes releases as much nicotine in the body as smoking three cigarettes. Also, although the nicotine in smokeless tobacco is absorbed more slowly than the nicotine in cigarettes, more of it is absorbed. Because more is absorbed, it stays in the bloodstream longer.

In addition, people who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to take up smoking.

It also can lead to tooth loss because it causes your gums to pull away from your teeth at the spot where the tobacco is held in the mouth. The sugar in the tobacco may also cause decay in exposed tooth roots.

People who use a patch experience less severe withdrawal symptoms than those who quit without a patch. Your doctor also can help you develop a plan to quit.