They’re Not a Safe Alternative to Smoking
Get the facts about chew, pouches, and other products
Some may see spit, dissolvable pouches, or smokeless tobacco as a less-harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes. But these products are unsafe and directly linked to mouth diseases, cancers and other health risks. They can also cause side effects, such as bad breath and tooth damage.
Oral tobacco products include:
- Chew — Tobacco that comes in the form of a loose leaf, plug, twist or roll. Pieces are placed between the cheek and gums and the juice is spit. Also called spit, dip or spit tobacco.1
- Snus — Pronounced “snoose,” snus is a type of moist substance often flavored with spices or fruit and packaged like small tea bags. Snus is held between the gum and lower lip and the juice is swallowed.1
- Snuff — Finely ground tobacco, which is often flavored. Dry snuff is a powder that is sniffed or inhaled up the nose. Moist snuff is a gum-like substance sold in pouches and then placed between the lower lip or cheek and gum.1
- Pouches — Nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, are small packets containing nicotine and other substances. Placed between the gum and lip, they release nicotine into the bloodstream.