Plug, leaf, and snuff are three smokeless tobaccos that have become more popular as the number of adults smoking cigarettes has decreased. You may be familiar with the term "smokeless tobacco," but the current terminology is "spit tobacco." The term "smokeless" implies "harmless," and spit tobacco is not harmless. Spit tobaccos are NOT safe alternatives to cigarettes and they can lead to many health problems.

The Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee has found that spit tobacco is dangerous to health.

Research has found that spit tobacco has at least 28 cancer causing substances. A recent study found that people who use spit tobacco are almost four times more likely to get oral cancer than those who do not use it.

The longer spit tobacco is used, the greater the risk for getting cancer. There is no way to know how long it will take before a tobacco user develops cancer. It has been known to happen in as little as 6 years.

Other problems caused by spit tobacco include: gingivitis (reversible gum disease), periodontitis (irreversible gum disease leading to tooth loss), tooth decay, and damage to the mucous membranes (skin) in the mouth, throat, and nose. Open sores and other lesions may develop within just a few months of use.

Studies have found high levels of heavy metals (i.e. lead and cadmium) in the bloodstream of spit tobacco users. These chemicals may be harmful to a baby during pregnancy.

Spit tobacco has some of the same effects as cigarettes. Studies have found that just like cigarette smokers, spit tobacco users will have high levels of nicotine in the blood. They may also have a higher heart rate, and higher blood pressure.

It is important to note that the nicotine in spit tobacco is addictive, causing a chemical dependence that is very hard to break.

The picture above shows how gums pull away from the teeth in the area where spit tobacco is held. When this happens, there is loss of the bone that supports the teeth. The gums will not grow back, and neither will the bone. Notice the staining between the teeth which is caused from the tar and other chemicals in tobacco.

The white area on the cheek (shown above) is called leukoplakia. This is a precancerous condition. It is caused by the chemicals in spit tobacco. Between 3% and 6% of leukoplakias have the potential to become cancer. Stopping the use of tobacco may help prevent cancer from developing. All tobacco users should see their dentist or registered dental hygienist at least twice a year for oral cancer exams. They should also learn to do monthly self-exams. Tobacco users must become familiar with their oral cavity to learn what is normal and what is not.

Notice that the top surfaces of the bottom front teeth are worn down. This occurs from the grit in the spit tobacco. These surfaces also show tobacco stain. Chemicals in tobacco coat the mouth and throat, as well as the lungs, causing bad breath (halitosis). Some tobacco users develop a condition called "hairy tongue." This occurs when the tobacco chemicals coat the tongue and don’t allow taste buds to wear off normally. Hairy tongue contributes to bad breath, may alter taste and can cause a burning sensation on the tongue. Brushing the tongue daily, and quitting tobacco should help relieve this condition, however, the dentist or registered dental hygienist should always be consulted if any condition in the mouth lasts more than 2 weeks.

There are approximately 30,000 new cases of oral cancer each year in the United States. Oral cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer. Only 50% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive beyond 5 years. Seventy percent of oral cancers have spread to lymph nodes in the body by the time the cancer is diagnosed.


Surgery for oral cancer is often disfiguring. If the cancer is not caught right away, major surgery is often needed to take out parts of the mouth, tongue, or jaw. Head and neck radiation is often part of the treatment and can cause severe complications such as burned tissues, difficulty swallowing, and reduced saliva flow.

If you see any of these signs in your mouth, call your dentist immediately. The sooner you get help, the better are your chances of survival!

Facts about smokeless tobacco were gathered by the American Cancer Society.