What are the health risks associated with using snuff tobacco?

### Health Risks of Using Snuff Tobacco Snuff tobacco, whether moist or dry, poses several health risks. Here are some of the main dangers: 1. **Cancer**: Snuff increases the risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, and pancreas. It can also cause precancerous lesions called leukoplakia, which are white patches in the mouth that can turn into cancer. 2. **Heart Disease**: Using snuff can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, doubling the risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-tobacco users. 3. **Addiction**: Snuff contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. The levels of nicotine in snuff users can be equal to or higher than those in smokers, making withdrawal equally challenging. 4. **Dental Problems**: Snuff can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and receding gums. It can also stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and lead to bone loss around the teeth, which may result in tooth loss. 5. **Risk of Poisoning**: Some snuff products look and taste like candy, posing a poisoning risk to children. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and even death in severe cases. 6. **Pregnancy Risks**: Using snuff during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth and stillbirth. While some people use snuff as a way to quit smoking, it is not a safe alternative. The health risks associated with snuff are significant, and quitting snuff involves similar challenges to quitting smoking. Support from healthcare providers, friends, and family can be crucial in successfully quitting.