The Dangerous Consequences

Of Smokeless Tobacco

A multitude of research studies have shared the dangers of tobacco on the body and your oral health. However, studies have also found that even smokeless tobacco negatively influences the oral health of the individuals that use it.

There are multiple types of smokeless tobacco including snuff, dip and chew. None are healthier than the other. Usually an individual pinches off an amount and places it between the lip and the check or the front lip. The tobacco enters the body through the mouth and down the throat, even though it is not swallowed.

"Smokeless tobacco has been linked to oral cancer and esophagus cancer," says Dr. Denine Rice one of Inland Empire's top periodontists. However, it can also impact the gums and roots of the teeth.  If you already are impacted with negative oral health habits and the roots of your teeth are exposed due to extreme periodontal disease the negative possibilities are even greater.

Ingredients in snuff can vary according to the manufacture. While tobacco growers in other countries are required to list all of their ingredients, the United States does not have this requirement.  There can be varying amounts of TSNA’s, Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines.  “TSNA’s are known to be some of the most potent carcinogens present in smokeless tobacco, snuff and tobacco smoke,” (About Health.)

If you notice white lesions in the mouth, you will want to visit your Riverside, California periodontist, Dr. Rice and her team.  It is not a good idea to assume that these lesions are noncancerous.