Think About
The Facts
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One can of snuff per day delivers
as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes.
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Smokeless tobacco users become
dependent on continued used because nicotine, an addictive drug,
gives them a "buzz".
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When the supply runs out or the
users try to quit, they may become moody, have headaches and trouble
sleeping and concentrating.
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Some users become so addicted that
they keep a pinch of snuff in place all day and during the night
when they are asleep.
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Many users find that when they
want to quit, they can't. Smokeless tobacco is harder to give up
than cigarettes.
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Long-term snuff users have a 50%
greater risk of developing oral cancer than nonusers because the
nicotine in tobacco contains cancer-causing agents such as
nitrosamines.
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Look
Closer
Using smokeless tobacco won't make
you look better. Stick your tongue in your cheek to see how it
makes you look. That's on the outside. On the inside, like most
chewers and dippers, you can get irritated gums and may develop
painful sores in your mouth from regular use.
Use of smokeless
tobacco can advertise to others that you're unsure of yourself and
need a crutch. Your image and your mouth suffer. Placing
tobacco on your gums can cause your gum line to recede, leaving
teeth and their roots sensitive and hard to clean. The
exposure to tobacco, combined with sugar added to tobacco for
flavor, wears down tooth surfaces and can result in tooth decay.
When you keep a pinch or a plug of tobacco in your mouth, a white,
leathery patch may form. This rippled area may be a sign of a
developing precancerous area. Although hard to see, these areas
are evidence of cell changes. |
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Who Really
Uses Smokeless Tobacco?
Real Athletes?
According to a recent report, 7 out of 10 major league baseball
players don't use smokeless tobacco. This survey found that of
those players using the stuff, more than a third reported sores, white
patches, or gum problems. Overall, 59% said they were seriously
thinking about quitting. Athletes serious about their health and
performance know the benefits of avoiding chew or snuff. Nicotine
found in tobacco can make users dizzy and it slows reaction time --
bad news when competing in sports.
Cowboys and Country Music Stars?
In real life, most wouldn't think about it. In advertisements,
men in Western wear are paid to say, "Keep a pinch between the teeth
and gum." Everyone can benefit by realizing that these ads are
designed to con the reader into "just trying" smokeless tobacco.
People Who Are Popular With the
Opposite Sex?
Not really. Anyone who like white teeth and fresh breath would
rather know and date a nonuser. Because of bad breath and yellow teeth
with tooth stains that are permanent, smokeless tobacco users aren't
very kissable. There isn't much appeal in being with someone who is
always spitting a brown liquid that looks bad and smells worse.
Fun, Independent Types?
There is nothing fun or independent about using a product that can
quickly become an addictive habit. Smokeless tobacco users get
"hooked" and crave tobacco, just like cigarette smokers. People who
value their freedom steer clear of this kind of compulsive behavior.
People Who Want to Use a Safe
Tobacco Product?
Tobacco in any form can be harmful to your health. Users benefit by
quitting, nonusers by never starting. |