Smokeless Tobacco:

In the past 26 years, smokeless tobacco has actually decreased..thank goodness!  I tell my smokeless tobacco users to obviously quit but if not, please “move it around” because long-term placement in the same place in the oral cavity can cause a condition called leukoplakia; which can lead to pre-cancer and then to squamous cell carcinoma.  The topical application of the nicotine and the carcinogens in tobacco is extremely hard on the gums and soft tissue.  It absorbs into your body and can not only cause long-term systemic effects on your body but also cause topical effects such as oral cancer.  Consider switching to sugarless chewing gum or something else but tobacco is NOT in the best interest of your over-all health.