Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/smokelesstobacco.html

Smokeless Tobacco

Also called: Chewing tobacco, Dip, Oral tobacco, Snuff, Spit tobacco
On this page

See, Play and Learn

  • No links available

Resources

For You

Summary

Many people who chew tobacco or dip snuff think it's safer than smoking. But you don't have to smoke tobacco for it to be dangerous. Chewing or dipping carries risks like:

  • Cancer of the mouth
  • Decay of exposed tooth roots
  • Pulling away of the gums from the teeth
  • White patches or red sores in the mouth that can turn to cancer

Recent research shows the dangers of smokeless tobacco may go beyond the mouth. It might also play a role in other cancers, heart disease and stroke.

Smokeless tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that makes it hard to stop using tobacco once you start. Having a quit date and a quitting plan can help you stop successfully.

NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Start Here

Prevention and Risk Factors

Related Issues

Specifics

Clinical Trials

Teenagers

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.