In Sweden, chewing tobacco is now more popular than cigarettes, and consumption is steadily increasing in other countries as well. Chewing tobacco is often referred to as a less harmful alternative to smoking, and many former smokers use it as a substitute for cigarettes. But how dangerous is chewing tobacco really, and what health consequences does its consumption bring?
We want to show you the negative consequences and explain what exactly is in chewing tobacco and how it should be used. Additionally, we will show you some chewing tobacco products that actually serve as alternatives to cigarettes.
What's in Chewing Tobacco?
Chewing tobacco traditionally consists of water, salt, flavors, and tobacco. The tobacco is finely ground leaves that are either packaged loose or in paper bags (portioned chewing tobacco). The nicotine content of chewing tobacco varies depending on the product; there are even chewing tobacco brands that completely avoid tobacco. The tobacco-free pouches with nicotine are called All White Portion and are considered even less harmful than tobacco chewing tobacco due to the complete elimination of tobacco. Since most products contain nicotine, it is by definition an addictive substance.
In smokeless tobacco products, 28 carcinogenic substances have been identified, while cigarettes contain more than 60 carcinogens. Chewing tobacco from North America also contains nitrosamines, a chemical compound that can cause cancer in high concentrations. However, chewing tobacco from Sweden does not contain nitrosamines, as the production is regulated by the food authority and these ingredients are prohibited. Perhaps that is why no scientific connections have been found between Swedish chewing tobacco and cancer.
Since the product is placed under the upper lip during consumption, chewing tobacco is often associated with negative effects on oral hygiene and oral health, especially since every chewing tobacco consumer feels a certain amount of gum impairment. When the product is moistened in the mouth, the nicotine enters the bloodstream and exerts its effects there.
Chewing Tobacco and Oral Health
A study by the University of Bern has examined the effects of chewing tobacco on oral hygiene in more detail. The most common diseases include leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma. Leukoplakia refers to a white discoloration of the oral mucosa that can, in extreme cases, progress to cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant skin tumor. Since, as mentioned earlier, chewing tobacco from North America can contain nitrosamines, there could be a connection between oral cancer and North American chewing tobacco. However, at present, there is no statistically comprehensive study that proves this connection - just as there is none for Swedish chewing tobacco.
In the mouth, the use of chewing tobacco can also lead to periodontal diseases such as periodontitis, recession, and cavities. Since the chewing tobacco pouches come into direct contact with the teeth and gums, the teeth can be discolored by chewing tobacco. Some first-time users of chewing tobacco report that their gums burned after consuming chewing tobacco. With years of consumption, the gums can become inflamed and recede. Therefore, proper oral hygiene should be given high priority.
Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes
In consumers who use chewing tobacco every day, higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been observed. However, this effect of chewing tobacco was not permanent and decreased when the subjects stopped using chewing tobacco. There is still not enough data on the long-term effects - however, Swedish health statistics speak for themselves: the lowest lung cancer rate worldwide, as well as, compared to other nations, no increased rates of oral cancer.
How Does Chewing Tobacco Compare to Cigarettes?
Both cigarettes and chewing tobacco contain nicotine. Nicotine is addictive in any case and can have health consequences. Since there is no combustion process with chewing tobacco, fewer harmful substances are released than with cigarettes. The potential for harm is therefore lower with chewing tobacco, but that does not mean that consumption is completely harmless. Chewing tobacco, like other indulgences, should only be consumed in moderation. Furthermore, the use of chewing tobacco eliminates the risk of passive smoking.
Since chewing tobacco pouches are made of cellulose, they can be biodegraded. So, for the environment, chewing tobacco is definitely more environmentally friendly than smoking.
For those planning to quit smoking, they can try chewing tobacco products without nicotine or tobacco. The All White Pouches contain no tobacco and do not discolor the teeth. Well-known brands include edel and White Fox. The completely nicotine-free product comes from the brand edel. Edel CBD Mint contains neither nicotine nor tobacco and is an excellent alternative to cigarettes.
