Some of these deaths were caused by continual use of smokeless tobacco. Chewing and dipping cause receding gums, wear on tooth enamel, and tooth decay, which in turn result in painful treatment and eventual loss of teeth. Chewing tobacco and the resulting juices may produce leukoplakia, which is white patches of oral tissue that can develop into oral cancer. Three to five percent of diagnosed leukoplakias have the potential to become oral cancers. The nicotine from tobacco is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth and can be addicting.
Sugar is present in smokeless tobacco to improve taste, and sugar results in tooth decay.
Diabetics should be aware of this to better control their diabetes. Smokeless tobacco is used by many athletes, but what they probably don't know is that the nicotine in the smokeless tobacco increases the heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to an irregular heartbeat. These factors could affect their athletic performance. A rise in blood pressure may also increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Smokeless tobacco is unattractive.