Diseases Caused By Chewing Tobacco
Most people think tobacco chewing is a safer substitute to smoking. This is a misconception because studies have proved that chewed tobacco has higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes. Tobacco chewing is the shredded and twisted from of tobacco leaves which is administered orally and placed between the gum and the teeth or cheeks.
It stays in mouth while secreting juices. The excess saliva is often expelled by spitting. This stewing of the leaves allows the nicotine to get assimilated in the blood via the mouth tissues. Swallowing is not required. Tobacco chewing contains more than twenty five carcinogens.
Some common and immediate effects are: halitosis, discoloration of teeth and lips, bleeding gums, decay and erosion of teeth, cavities, mouth sores and ulcers, sore throats, coughing, difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, irritating feeling of something lodged in one’s throat. Leukoplakia, a several clinical condition, can occur.
This is when white patches begin to appear in the gums and mouth. They can be precancerous and slightly painful to touch and certain foods. Oral cancer is the most frightening effect of tobacco chewing. Prolonged use of tobacco causes cancer in the oral cavity, throat, and mouth. It is not just restricted to the mouth though. Sometimes the carcinogens enter the esophagus, stomach linings and bladder, causing cancer in those regions. These cancers become tumors, which must be removed surgically and sometimes the cheek or jaw needs to be eliminated as well.
Tobacco chewing enhances the heart rate and elevated blood pressure. It also leads to irregular heartbeats which may result in strokes which damage the brain and heart attacks. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels and decreases the quantity of blood oxygen which has an adverse impact on heart and contributes to other cardiovascular ailments.
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Diseases Caused By Chewing Tobacco
