Best Dental Answers

Why is it hard to quit using smokeless tobacco?

Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco ( Snuff or chewing tobacco) contains nicotine, a very addictive substance that causes changes in the way you think and act.

If you are addicted to nicotine, you crave the “buzz” you get from using smokeless tobacco, and you have to use more and more to get the effect you want.

Smokeless tobacco puts more nicotine into your bloodstream than cigarettes do. This is one reason why people who chew or dip tobacco regularly may think that quitting smokeless tobacco is even harder than quitting cigarette smoking.

Using smokeless tobacco might also be a habit for you when you’re in certain situations or with certain people. For example, you may always chew tobacco when you go to a sporting event or when you watch TV. It can be hard to break this pattern of behavior.

However, many smokeless tobacco users have quit successfully – and so can you. Your family doctor can help you quit.

Why is it important for me to quit using smokeless tobacco?

The use of any tobacco product has both immediate and long-term effects on your health and overall well-being.

• Smokeless tobacco stains and wears down your teeth, causes your gums to recede (peel back) and produces mouth sores.
•  Bad breath is also a common problem.
• Over time, the use of smokeless tobacco can cause mouth cancer.
• Nicotine from smokeless tobacco also raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• It can make it more likely that you will have a heart attack.

It is important for you to have your own reasons for wanting to quit using smokeless tobacco.

 In addition to health effects,

you may be concerned about saving money

or setting a good example for family members and friends.

Write down your reasons for wanting to quit using smokeless tobacco.

 Then keep your list in places where you can see it often during your efforts to quit.

Source

Click here to read about some of the Benefits of throwing out the Pack!

Best Dental Answers Home