In the US, chewing tobacco is a long-time popular habit among Major Leage Baseball players. Today, as smoking is banned in many places, some people are turning to chewing tobacco as an alternative source of nicotine. Although chewing tobacco is highly addictive (causing addiction) and harmful to health, chewing tobacco is still prevalent among some people. This article provides information on how to chew tobacco and the types of chewing tobacco sold, primarily in the United States, as well as the health risks that can arise from chewing tobacco.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Buying Chewing Tobacco
Step 1. Pay attention to the different types of smokeless tobacco
Different forms are used in different ways.
- Chewing tobacco consists of loose tobacco leaves that are sweetened. A lump of tobacco is placed between the cheek and gum and held there, sometimes for several hours. It is also called chew and mamah (chew and chaw).
- Snuff is a tobacco leaf that is ground or finely sliced. Snuff is available in dry or moist form and is packaged in cans or bags similar to teabags. A pinch of snuff is placed between the lower lip and the gum or cheek. The dry form of the snuff can be aspirated into the nose. The use of snuff is also called dipping.
- A plug is chewing tobacco that has been molded into a brick shape, often with the aid of a syrup, such as molasses which will also impart a sweet taste to the tobacco. A piece of plug is cut or bitten and held between the gum and cheek. Tobacco sap is spit out.
- A twist is a flavored chewing tobacco that has been woven and twisted like a string of string. The twist is held between the cheek and gum and the tobacco sap is spit out.
- Snus (the letter "u" is pronounced like the "u" in "pine") is a smokeless product that is not spit out. Snus is in the form of a pocket or as a moist release that is attached between the upper lip and the gums. Snus is left in the mouth for about half an hour or so without having to spit it out, then discarded.
- Dissolvable tobacco is compressed pieces of powdered tobacco, similar to small hard candies. This tobacco dissolves in the mouth, so there is no need to spit. Sometimes, these tobaccos are called tobacco lozenges, but they are not the same as nicotine lozenges which are used to help quit smoking.
Step 2. Know the available brands of chewing tobacco
Today, there are many brands of chewing tobacco on the market, which vary in price and taste. Some of the most popular brands are:
- Copenhagen is a premium tobacco made in the U. S. Smokeless and is the most expensive damp tobacco on the market. This tobacco has flavors such as Natural, Straight, Bourbon, Whiskey, and Smooth. For beginners, it's probably best to start with the Long Cut version of Copenhagen, as this version is easier to compress and will fit in your mouth as you get used to chewing.
- Skoal is known for its quality and variety of flavours, which include Apple, Peach, and Wintergreen. Fruit flavors are good for beginners who are still learning to chew, as fruit flavored tobacco is lighter than the mint varieties.
- Timberwolf is high quality tobacco at an affordable price. Timberwolf comes in flavors such as Apple, Peach, Mint, and Cool Wintergreen.
- Grizzly is considered “low-end tobacco” because of its very cheap price. This tobacco has Mint and Wintergreen flavors and is not recommended for beginners, due to its high nicotine content.
Step 3. Learn the chemicals in chewing tobacco
You may be surprised by the harmful chemicals found in smokeless tobacco products.
- Smokeless tobacco contains a number of cancer-causing chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polonium–210 (a radioactive element found in tobacco fertilizers) and nitrosamines.
- Chewing tobacco contains sugar, which causes dental caries and gum disease.
- Chewing tobacco also contains salt (sodium), which raises blood pressure.
- Of course, smokeless tobacco products also contain an addictive substance, namely nicotine.
Step 4. Have a state-issued identity card ready when purchasing chewing tobacco
Like cigarettes, chewing tobacco is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), so you must prove you are 18 years or older before you can buy chewing tobacco.
- Some states have higher age limits, so make sure you are aware of the laws in the state in which you live.
- For example, in 2013 the city of New York raised the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21.
- In accordance with federal law, tobacco retailers in all states will verify the identity of anyone who appears to be under the age of 27.
Part 2 of 3: Chewing Tobacco
Step 1. Take an empty water bottle
You will use the bottle to collect the spit from chewing tobacco.
- If you are chewing tobacco outdoors, you can skip this step, as you can just spit the tobacco onto the ground.
- Be aware that some places prohibit spitting on the sidewalk. Be aware of the applicable laws in the city and state where you live.
- Alternatively, you can use a cup.
- You can also buy a spittoon (spittoon), a place to spit.
Step 2. Compact the tobacco
Do this by shaking the can between your thumb and forefinger in the same upward and downward motion for about ten seconds.
- Compacting the tobacco is important, as this will make it easier to pick up the tobacco.
- If you are using a bag, shake the bag in an equal up and down motion so that the tobacco collects tightly in the bag.
- Alternatively, you can also tap the can or bag on a hard surface to compact it.
Step 3. Check that the tobacco has solidified properly
Open the can or bag and make sure the tobacco is now firmly packed together.
- All tobacco should be collected on one side of the can or bag.
- If the tobacco doesn't solidify properly, slide the lid off and tap the can again.
Step 4. Take a small amount of tobacco from the can with your thumb and forefinger
Take more or less tobacco between your fingers, depending on how much tobacco you want to chew.
- For beginners, start with a small amount to chew on, about the size of a penny coin (about the size of a $50 coin).
- As you begin to feel more comfortable chewing tobacco, you can increase the amount you use.
Step 5. Place the chewing tobacco on one side of your mouth, between your lower lip and teeth
Even if you eventually feel comfortable enough to place the chewing snuff between your cheek and back teeth, start with this because it's easier to keep the snuff in place.
- If you're having trouble keeping the tobacco in place, take an empty teabag (or cut the teabag open at the top, then empty the tea) and place the chewing tobacco in the teabag.
- As a result, you create something like a snuff bag, but with chewing tobacco filling.
- Place the tea bag containing the chewing tobacco in your mouth, between your lower lip and teeth.
- Using a tea bag will help the chewing tobacco stay in place, but this will reduce the flavor of the tobacco.
Step 6. Move the tobacco around so you can chew the tobacco and release the nicotine
Be careful not to swallow the tobacco.
- When you put tobacco in your mouth, you're more likely to start drooling a lot. This is a normal reaction to the presence of tobacco, as the oil from chewing tobacco interacts with the saliva in your mouth.
- You have to chew the tobacco with your teeth to release the nicotine.
- Chew the tobacco slowly, lest the tobacco leaves are crushed and accidentally swallowed.
- Chew briefly to remove the nicotine from the leaf, then push the tobacco back between your cheek and gums with your tongue. Repeat if you want.
- Tobacco entering the throat or stomach will cause vomiting and increase the chance of developing long-term health problems, so try to avoid swallowing chewing tobacco or saliva that has been contaminated with chewing tobacco.
- When you chew, you should feel the effects of the nicotine in the tobacco. You may feel lightheaded, a faster heart rate, and a general feeling of pleasure, as well as a tingling sensation in your mouth. You may also feel nauseous or dizzy while chewing tobacco the first time you chew tobacco.
Step 7. Spit after you have chewed tobacco for a while
Pinch your lips and spit the sap into an empty water bottle, other container, or onto the ground if you are outdoors.
- Keep the tobacco in your mouth when you spit.
- Avoid spilling bottles of saliva by keeping the cap on.
- Empty the spittoon or cup regularly.
Step 8. Discard the chewing tobacco once the flavor of the tobacco wears off or if you start to feel nauseous
Take the chewing tobacco out of your mouth with your finger and throw it away.
- Rinse mouth with water, being careful not to swallow any remaining tobacco or sap.
- You are also advised to brush your teeth, as your breath will smell like tobacco.
- Brushing your teeth will not reduce the stains that appear from chewing tobacco.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Health Risks of Chewing Tobacco
Step 1. Chewing tobacco carries the same serious health risks as cigarettes
Like other tobacco products, smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is a dangerous and addictive substance.
- Most people who chew tobacco become addicted. As with smoking, quitting smokeless tobacco can cause symptoms such as a strong urge to chew tobacco, increased appetite, irritability, and depression.
- While chewing tobacco was popular among many top league baseball players in the past, the league now prohibits players from using chewing tobacco and strictly prohibits clubhouse employees from buying chewing tobacco for players.
- Presumably, the professional baseball player most famously advocated staying away from chewing tobacco was outfielder Bill Tuttle. After thirty years of playing baseball and chewing tobacco in the professional leagues, Tuttle developed a tumor so large that it came out through his cheek and extended through his skin. Doctors removed the tumor, which appeared to be the result of his decades of tobacco chewing, and also had to remove part of Tuttle's face. Tuttle had to lose his jawbone, right cheekbone, most of his teeth and gum line, as well as his taste buds from chewing tobacco. In the end, Tuttle died of cancer in 1998, but Tuttle spent the last years of his life trying to keep people from chewing tobacco.
Step 2. Recognize that you are at a higher risk for cancer, disease, and oral infections
Chewing tobacco greatly increases the chances of developing cancers, including esophageal cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue, and pancreatic cancer.
- The accumulation of chewing over a long period of time is also likely to cause tooth decay. Chewing tobacco contains high amounts of sugar, which causes cavities, and also contains abrasive particles that irritate the gums and scratch the enamel on the teeth, making teeth more brittle and prone to cavities and infections.
- The sugar and irritating substances in chewing tobacco also cause the gums to detach from the teeth, especially in the area of the mouth where you chew. This can lead to gum disease, which can be severe enough to destroy the soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth and cause them to fall out.
- Chewing tobacco also increases the risk of developing precancerous lesions in the mouth, called leukoplakia, which can someday become cancerous.
- Every year, about 30,000 Americans realize they have mouth and throat cancer, and nearly 8,000 people die from the disease. Only about half of those diagnosed with mouth and throat cancer survive for more than 5 years.
- Some forms of smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco, increase heart rate and blood pressure. Studies show that long-term use of smokeless tobacco can increase the risk of death from certain types of heart disease and stroke.
Step 3. Seek help if you are trying to stop chewing tobacco or want to avoid trying to chew tobacco
Some smokers turn to chewing tobacco in hopes of reducing their tobacco addiction, but this rarely works and can actually lead to a stronger tobacco addiction.
- If you are trying to stop using chewing tobacco, talk to your doctor about preventive methods, such as using nicotine gum, nicotine patches, or other medications.
- Smoking cessation programs are offered by hospitals, health departments, community centers, workplaces/companies, and national organizations.
- Using substitutes such as chewing gum, beef jerky, hard candy, or dried fruit instead of chewing tobacco can also help reduce tobacco addiction by curbing oral fixation.
- Adolescents who use chewing tobacco are more likely to become smokers later in life.
Tips
- Do not try to kiss anyone while chewing tobacco.
- It is not recommended to chew tobacco in public spaces, such as in schools, in classrooms, or in closed areas such as convenience stores, as smoking is prohibited in these areas and chewing tobacco can be considered a form of tobacco use.
- Don't spit in a way that annoys others, out loud, or repeatedly. This can annoy those around you.
