The ingredients in smokeless tobacco are, unfortunately, just as bad for you as the ingredients in tobacco you smoke. There is of course, nicotine, as well as many kinds of carcinogens the primary carcinogens in smokeless tobacco are called nitrosamines. But this is not where it ends.
Other than nitrosamines, there are sweeteners used as ingredients in smokeless tobacco, mainly because tobacco itself has a very bitter taste to it. The sweeteners can, if the cigarettes have enough in them, can also promote tooth decay.
Then there are also abrasives included in the ingredients in smokeless tobacco. This substance comes from the tobacco leaves themselves. The abrasive materials in your mouth can wear down the surfaces of someone's teeth, as well as causing abrasions in the mouth. When this happens an even larger amount of nicotine is passed directly into the bloodstream.
Another main one of the many ingredients in smokeless tobaccos is salt, believe it or not. Which can damage the kidneys and cause irregular blood pressure.
It has been widely claimed that there are hundreds of other chemicals that are terrible for your health as well as being carcinogenic.
In short, chewing tobacco is no safer than regular tobacco for you because of the ingredients in smokeless tobacco. There is a high risk of developing mouth cancer, throat cancer, dental disease, decreased ability to perform in athletic activities and many more.
If you chew, enjoy your smokeless tobacco, but also be aware of the ingredients in smokeless tobacco and realize that it is still a bad habit by the same standards as cigarettes or cigars.
