Studies show elevated blood levels of nicotine from spit tobacco similar to those produced by cigarettes. One study demonstrated that spit tobacco users experienced changes in heart rate and blood pressure similar in magnitude to those experienced by smokers. Long-term nicotine dependence and its associated health risks are the primary behavioral consequences of regular spit tobacco use. Benign oral lesions may occur after only a few years of spit tobacco use. Some athletes have developed mouth cancer after only 6 or years of using spit tobacco.
Oral cancer is hard to cure because it spreads fast.
If not caught right away, major surgery is often needed to take out parts of your mouth, jaw, and tongue. Even if you don't find a problem, see your dentist or doctor for a mouth check every 3 months. For Early Warning Signs - check your mouth often. Look closely at places where you hold the tobacco. A statewide toll-free telephone line that offers help to Montanans interested in quitting tobacco use.