ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco is a type of tobacco that you don't smoke, but instead you put it in your mouth. It comes in a few different forms, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus.

When you use smokeless tobacco, you put a small amount of it in your mouth, usually between your gum and your cheek. You don't chew it like gum, but you leave it in your mouth and let the tobacco juices soak into your gums and mouth.

Because you don't burn smokeless tobacco, you don't inhale smoke into your lungs like you would with regular tobacco. However, smokeless tobacco still contains harmful chemicals that can be dangerous for your health.

For example, many types of smokeless tobacco contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that can make it hard to quit using tobacco. Some types of smokeless tobacco can also cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even cancer.

It's important to remember that just because you don't smoke tobacco doesn't mean it's safe. If you're thinking about using smokeless tobacco, it's a good idea to talk to an adult you trust and learn more about the risks and dangers associated with it.