Dipping tobacco

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Dipping tobacco, or dip, is finely ground, moistened tobacco you place between the lip and gum (usually the lower lip). The dip stays there for about 20–40 minutes, and you spit out the saliva and tobacco juice into a spittoon, bottle, or other container. It comes in flavored varieties like mint or wintergreen and is sold in tins, rolls, or other packages. Dip is often associated with more saliva production than some other smokeless products. Unlike snus, which is typically placed under the upper lip, dip is usually under the lower lip.

Dipping tobacco is addictive because it contains nicotine. It carries health risks, including cancers of the mouth, throat/esophagus, and pancreas, as well as heart disease and stroke. It can also affect pregnancy, increasing the risk of stillbirth or low birth weight. There is no safe level of use, and it’s not a healthy substitute for smoking. Globally, smokeless tobacco causes about 650,000 deaths each year, with many in Southeast Asia. The risk varies by product and region.

Regulation and use: Some countries have banned or restricted sales. In the United States, the FDA regulates tobacco products, bans sales to people under 21, and requires warning labels. Prices and taxes vary widely. Dipping has traditionally been more common among men and has appeared in some sports cultures.

If you’re worried about health, quitting is tough but possible—talk to a healthcare provider about quitting aids and support.