Chewing the tobacco found inside a cigar is possible, but the practice is highly discouraged and comes with significant health risks distinct from smoking. Cigar tobacco is not processed in the same way as commercial chewing tobacco. Its unique chemical composition leads to an extremely potent dose of nicotine and a high concentration of carcinogens. Directly exposing the mouth’s tissues to this unprocessed, highly potent tobacco mixture creates serious immediate health consequences that can also lead to long-term systemic disease.
The Difference Between Cigar Tobacco and Chewing Tobacco
The most significant distinction between cigar tobacco and commercial chewing tobacco lies in the curing process and the resulting chemical composition, particularly the pH level. Tobacco used in premium cigars is typically air-cured and undergoes an extensive, lengthy fermentation process. This fermentation is designed to age the leaf and remove impurities, but it also raises the alkalinity of the tobacco itself.
The elevated alkalinity results in a higher pH value in the tobacco. This alkaline environment is crucial because it affects the chemical form of the nicotine. Nicotine exists in two forms: protonated (ionized) and un-ionized (free-base). In high-pH cigar tobacco, a greater proportion of the nicotine is in its un-ionized, free-base form.
Another major difference is the concentration of toxins known as Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs), which are potent carcinogens. Due to the curing and fermentation methods used for dark, air-cured cigar tobacco, the levels of the most dangerous TSNAs, N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), are significantly high. Large cigars, for example, have been found to contain NNN and NNK levels five- to seven-fold higher than those found in commercial cigarettes.
Nicotine Absorption and Immediate Effects
Chewing cigar tobacco harnesses the high alkalinity of the leaf to deliver a powerful dose of nicotine directly into the bloodstream. The high pH of the tobacco converts the nicotine into its free-base form, which can be absorbed rapidly and efficiently through the mucous membranes lining the mouth, known as buccal absorption. This process bypasses the lungs and delivers the drug directly to the body’s circulation.
Nicotine concentrations in the filler of large cigars can be substantial, averaging around 15.4 milligrams per gram of tobacco. When a product with this high nicotine concentration is chewed, the user receives a sudden, intense systemic dose.
This intense nicotine delivery can lead to immediate negative effects, especially for a person not accustomed to such a high dose. Initial symptoms often include stomach uneasiness, nausea, dizziness, or the sudden onset of hiccups. These are signs of acute nicotine exposure, which can also trigger a rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure.
The Oral and Systemic Health Risks
Chewing cigar tobacco exposes the mouth to a concentrated source of toxins and is associated with severe long-term health consequences. The direct contact of the tobacco with the delicate tissues inside the mouth greatly increases the risk of developing oral cancers, including cancer of the lip, tongue, cheek, and throat. This localized irritation and damage can first manifest as leukoplakia, which are painless, whitish patches considered precancerous lesions.
The high concentration of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) is a primary concern, as these are known carcinogens that attack cells upon contact. Furthermore, the mechanical act of chewing and holding the abrasive tobacco against the gums and teeth contributes to gum recession, tooth decay, and the wearing down of tooth enamel. When the saliva infused with the tobacco extract is swallowed, the toxins and carcinogens are exposed to the digestive tract.
Swallowing this toxic mixture directly links the practice to systemic cancers, including esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. The chronic, high-dose nicotine absorption places a continuous strain on the cardiovascular system, raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. This intense and rapid nicotine delivery also leads to a high potential for addiction.