CHEW OR SNUFF IS REAL BAD STUFF

(NOTE: This publication was produced by the: National Cancer
Institute - U.S. Department of Health and Human Service -
National Institutes of Health - Publication No. 91-2976 - For a
free copy, send your name and address to: Consumer Information
Center - Dept. 549Z - Pueblo, CO 81009)

 - Bad Breath
 - Mouth Sores
 - Cancer
Some of the things the ads don't tell
you about chew & snuff.

     Smokeless tobacco comes in different forms. You may know it
as chewing tobacco or snuff. Some kids use it because they think
it looks cool. Others may because their friends, coach, or
relatives do. But your doctor or dentist can tell you that using
tobacco in any form--dipping, chewing, or smoking--is very bad
for your health and can turn off friends.  

CANCER AND OTHER MOUTH PROBLEMS.
     Using smokeless tobacco can cause cancer--especially in your
cheeks, gums, and throat. But even before cancer develops,
changes can occur in your mouth--sometimes after only a few weeks
of dipping. Your gums and lips can sting, crack, bleed, wrinkle,
and get sores and white patches. These white patches may become
cancerous. Stopping use of smokeless tobacco can make the white
patches go away.

IT ADDS UP.
     Kids who dip or chew often use a can of snuff or a pouch of
chew every day or two. The cost adds up by the week, month, and
year. Why would anyone want to pay to hurt his looks and health?
 
TOBACCO ADDICTION.
     Tobacco contains a drug called nicotine that can get you
addicted or hooked. After using tobacco for a short time, you
need another dip every 20 to 30 minutes to keep the tobacco buzz
or high from ending. You can become dizzy, shaky, and grouchy
when trying to quit. Many kids who have used smokeless tobacco
for some time have said that it was hard to quit.
 
HEART EFFECTS.
     Chewing and dipping may make you feel relaxed. But the
nicotine in tobacco causes your heart to beat faster and your
blood pressure to go up--bad news for anyone.
 
A SPITTIN' IMAGE.
     Tobacco juices can damage your gums and expose the roots of
your teeth. Chewing or dipping may stain your teeth, give you bad
breath, affect your ability to taste, and cause worn spots on
tooth enamel-nothing to smile about! Snuff and chewing tobacco
make your mouth water all the time, so you have to spit
constantly wherever you are.  

QUESTIONS?
     For answers to questions you may have about smokeless
tobacco--or any form of tobacco--call the following toll-free
telephone number and you will be automatically connected to the
Cancer Information Service office serving your area:

1-800-4-CANCER

Spanish-speaking CIS staff members are also available.