The potential for its use is particularly high among young boys who imitate some adult professional athletes. Snuff is a finely ground or shredded form of tobacco which is held between the lip or cheek and gums. Chewing tobacco is a shredded tobacco leaf placed between the cheek and teeth by the user. Chew and chaw are slang words used by some chewing tobacco users. Dipping means placing moist snuff between the inside of the cheek and gum.
Many young people think smokeless tobacco is safer than smoking cigarettes.
But, since you hold the tobacco in your mouth for minutes at a time, more harmful chemicals can enter your body than when you smoke. Smokeless tobacco is a dangerous and unhealthy option. The nicotine in smokeless tobacco is as addicting as the nicotine in cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco can cause sores and white patches in the mouth and throat, and cracking and bleeding of the lips and gums. It can interfere with a child's sense of taste and smell.