If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
YouCanQuit2 has you covered with the answers to smokeless tobacco frequently asked questions.
Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is absorbed through the tissues of the mouth, swallowed, or in some cases, inhaled through the nose. Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned so it’s a little different than what you might find in cigarettes. You might find smokeless tobacco in the form of chewing tobacco, snuff, dip and snus. Smokeless tobacco products can also contain higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, which can lead to addiction.
Similar to smoked tobacco (think cigarettes, cigars, hookah, pipes), smokeless tobacco (think dip, chew, snuff) can cause mouth and gum disease, bad breath and make your teeth fall out. Smokeless tobacco also puts you at risk for many of the same heart conditions and cancers as smoking tobacco.
There is no “safe” type of tobacco, so it’s encouraged to avoid all tobacco products to protect your health.
Smokeless tobacco is not a proven way to quit smoking. In fact, if you use smokeless tobacco to quit smoking, there’s a good chance that you are switching from one dangerous addiction to another. Smokeless tobacco can also increase your risk for oral health issues like tooth decay and mouth and lung cancers.
Look through our Tobacco Cessation Resources Guide [PDF 466KB] to find a program that can help you kick the habit for good. You can find resources such as DipfreeTXT, a free texting program for young adults ready to quit dip. Text SPIT to 333888 for more information.
You should also talk with your provider about medications that can help during your quit.
No. You can only use smokeless tobacco in designated tobacco use areas (DTUAs). In the Defense Department, the rules for smokeless tobacco use are the same as for cigarettes, e-cigarettes and any other tobacco product. You can only use tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) in DTUAs.
