I am trying to get him to stop and need some solid facts about the harm this type of tobacco use can do to the body. There is lots of information out there on smoking, but I am having a hard time finding information on this. But smokeless tobacco is NOT immune to causing health problems, nor is it a safe substitute for cigarette smoking. Cancer is still a great risk for users of smokeless tobacco.
All tobacco can cause cancer.
People who use smokeless tobacco are several times more likely to be at risk for oral cancer than people who don't use tobacco. Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood levels of nicotine of smokeless tobacco users are similar to those of cigarette smokers. After only a few years of smokeless tobacco use, a permanent sore can develop in the mouth. The nicotine in smokeless tobacco has addictive properties, and can cause chemical dependence. Other results of smokeless tobacco use are gingivitis, gingival recession, tooth loss, and mucosal changes.