Smokeless Tobacco

Many people who chew tobacco or use snuff think it is safer than smoking. It isn't. Smokeless tobacco — chewing tobacco, snuff, gutka, khaini, zarda, mawa, paan masala with tobacco — carries serious health risks.

Smokeless tobacco is a leading cause of oral cancer in India. Other risks include:

• Cancer of the mouth, throat, tongue, cheek, and oesophagus
• Decay of exposed tooth roots
• Pulling away of the gums from the teeth
• White patches (leukoplakia) or red sores in the mouth that can turn into cancer over time

The risks go beyond the mouth. Smokeless tobacco also contributes to heart disease, stroke, and complications in pregnancy if used during pregnancy.

Smokeless tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes and is highly addictive, which makes quitting difficult. Many Indian states have banned gutka and flavoured tobacco products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, and sale within 100 metres of educational institutions is restricted under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) — but enforcement varies.

Quitting is possible. A set quit date, counselling from a doctor, and — where needed — nicotine replacement therapy can all help. Free government tobacco-cessation services exist; ask your doctor for the current options.