Health Hazards of Tobacco Chewing

Tobacco, more commonly referred as smokeless tobacco as it is considered an alternative to smoking because it is relatively safe, is an addiction to many and does no good to your body. Smokeless tobacco is available in two forms where you can either sniff it or chew it. Chewing tobacco consists of nicotine as its primary ingredient and it is said that a few American smokeless tobaccos are about 90 percent less dangerous as compared to smoking cigarettes. There are major misconceptions about chewing tobacco that need to be cleared. There are some websites which claim that chewing tobacco is as bad, or even worse than smoking cigarettes, which is not true. This, however, does not erase the fact that chewing tobacco is harmful to the body, as it can have some very serious health issues.

Studies have shown that chewing tobacco contains a relatively high amount of nicotine as compared to cigarettes, however, the extent to which chewing tobacco has an effect on the cardiovascular system is not definitely known. A few other studies have revealed that the risk of cardiovascular diseases that one is exposed to while chewing tobacco is much less in comparison to those who smoke tobacco. On the other hand, a study made by India states that there is a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases among people who either chew or smoke tobacco as compared to those who do not use tobacco. It also adds that such people are exposed to a number of other health conditions like obesity, hypertension and problems related to the levels of cholesterol in the body.

The biggest risk to chewing tobacco is mouth cancer and may also lead to decay of the roots of the teeth that have been exposed. It also leaves stains on your teeth that are very embarrassing to look at. It is very difficult for a person to get rid of the habit of chewing tobacco just as it is difficult for a person to quit smoking as both are addictive because they contain nicotine that is an addictive drug. However, if you are strong willed nothing is impossible. If you constantly have the urge of something that needs to be in your mouth then substitute tobacco with a chewing gum or a hard candy. Try and keep yourself as busy as possible so the thought of chewing tobacco does not come to your head. If you feel you cannot do this on your own, seek professional help.