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Smokeless Tobacco
What is Smokeless Tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco refers to dipping (snuff) or chewing tobacco, supplied in small round tins, pouches ore individual pouches called "bandits." Any form of tobacco use which excludes the inhaling of smoke is considered "smokeless" tobacco. It has been touted by the manufacturers as a harmless alternative to smoking, but it's far from safe!
How is it Harmful in the Mouth?
Smokeless tobacco has been demonstrated to cause leukoplakia (literally "white patch") - a precancerous tissue change in the gum, cheek or tongue. One in 20 cases of leukoplakia, in fact, becomes cancerous. Smokeless tobacco users run 50 times the risk of developing certain forms of cancer of the mouth, voice box and throat than nonusers! Almost 10,000 Americans will needlessly die from oral cancer this year.
You see, smokeless tobacco is a chemical irritant. When the user places this material in the same area of the mouth, the tobacco causes a chronic irritation. The gum tissue reacts first b swelling up, then by shrinking away. Eventually the tooth's supporting structures become weakened and the tooth is lost.
Sugar and molasses added to smokeless tobacco to enhance taste increase the likelihood of tooth loss from decay. Users have a 3-4 fold greater chance of losing their teeth than nonusers. The sweetener also aggravates diabetes.
Smokeless tobacco also contributes to a condition called "black hairy tongue" - not really black hair, but a socially repulsive condition, nevertheless.
How Does it Harm the Body?
The use of smokeless tobacco is associated with stomach ulcers, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, bladder cancer, heart disease, strokes and arteriosclerosis. That's because smokeless tobacco contains nicotine - a known addictive poison. In addition to being addictive, nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict. That makes the heart have to pump harder to circulate the blood; it makes the blood pressure rise, too.
You see, when a chewer or dipper places the tobacco substance in the mouth (next to the mucous membrane) 90 percent of nicotine is absorbed directly into the blood stream - within 15 seconds! That's what makes smokeless tobacco even more addicting than smoking cigarettes!
Other known poisons, include nitrosamines, are a byproduct of smokeless tobacco production. These have been demonstrated to produce cancer in laboratory animals.
Are There Other Social Problems?
Yes. Smokeless tobacco causes bad breath (halitosis). It also discolors teeth and white fillings. Smokeless tobacco increases the saliva flow, causing the chewer to have to look for a place to spit - often! Can you imagine kissing a cuspidor?
Why Has it Gained in Popularity?
Some people turned to smokeless tobacco where smoking was not permitted on the job, or for social reason. Manufacturers touted the substances as being a "safe" alternative to smoking. Sports celebrities, cowboys and the farming population have also historically used snuff and chewing tobacco.
Tobacco companies have targeted their audience to young males between the ages of 18 and 35, appealing to the "macho" image. Unfortunately, younger and younger people are trying smokeless tobacco - thousands in grades school and junior high, for example.
What is Being Done?
Legislation has been introduced to curb sales of this product to minors. Product warning labels will be placed on packages, and television advertising will be prohibited. The American Dental Association has taken a stand against smokeless tobacco.
A Final Word...
We encourage you to ask us questions about smokeless tobacco and its effects in the mouth. If detected and treated early, leukoplakia and other forms of oral disease associated with smokeless tobacco can be reversed. Thousands of needless deaths from oral cancer can be prevented through education and early detection. Your best defense against disease is prevention.
We Care About You and Your Comfort!
©2004 - 2010 Soft Touch Dental Spa - Cosmetic & General Dentistry
11803 Westheimer
Suite 710 | Royal Oaks HEB Center
Houston, Texas 77077 |
(281) 497-7911