Smokeless Tobacco

Tobacco can cause disease even if not smoked.  Smokeless tobacco (spit, chew or snuff) is sometimes believed to be a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is not true. Some studies show that smokeless tobacco might be even more addictive than cigarettes and more difficult to quit. Teens are usually surprised to learn that one can of snuff delivers as much nicotine as three packs of cigarettes.  Smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and pre-cancerous lesions called leukoplakia in as little as three to four months.

Smokeless tobacco users should watch for these early signs of oral cancer:

* Sores that don’t heal
* Leathery white or red patches on your lips or your tongue
* Mouth or lip pain, tenderness or numbness
* Changes in the way you chew, swallow, speak or move your jaw or tongue; or changes in the way your teeth fit together

Early signs of oral cancer are usually not painful so people often ignore them.  Unfortunately, if oral cancer is not caught early, it can require extensive surgery that can disfigure your face or kill you. 

Avoid tobacco in all forms. This will avoid cancer-causing chemicals contacting your tongue, gums and cheeks.