What are the health risks of smokeless snuff? - A number of major health risks associated with the use of smokeless snuff.
Cancer Risk
The smokeless snuff users have a higher risk (up to 50% according to the American Cancer Society) for certain types of cancer, especially cancer of the oral cavity (such as cancers of the cheek, gums, lips, tongue , and floor and roof of the mouth. Some studies have suggested a link between the use of smokeless snuff and the development of pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer and stomach cancer.
Other health risks
Those who use smokeless snuff have an increased risk of:
- Developing gum disease and gum recession (away from the gum tissue of the teeth);
- Leukoplakia (whitish patches in the mouth that can become cancerous);
- Abrasion (wear) of the teeth;
- Staining of teeth;
- Decay, and
- Loss of teeth.
All this has been linked with the consumption of smokeless snuff.
Some studies have shown an association between increased risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke) in users of smokeless snuff, although these risks are not as large as those observed in smokers. Further research is needed to determine whether or not the consumption of smokeless snuff is a significant risk of heart disease and stroke.
