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Effects of Chewing Tobacco by : Ray
Lauenstein
Smokeless Tobacco is NOT a safe
alternative to smoking. Some effects are:
1. Lip, jaw, tongue and
throat cancer-oral cancer has been shown to occur several times more
frequently among snuff dippers than among non tobacco users, as much as 50 X
more among long term users.
2. Nicotine dependence or
addiction- "I can quit anytime." Alcoholics say that all the time. But
they find it nearly impossible to quit. Nicotine is similar in all
critical measures to the prototypic drugs of abuse such as
morphine and cocaine!
3. Tooth Abrasion- grit
and sand in smokeless tobacco products scratches teeth and wears away the
hard surface or enamel. Premature loss of tooth enamel can cause added
sensitivity and may require corrective treatment.
4. GUM RECESSION-
Constant irritation to the spot in the mouth where a small wad of chewing
tobacco is placed can result in permanent damage to periodontal tissue. It
also can damage the supporting bone structure. The injured gums pull away
from the teeth, exposing root surfaces and leaving teeth sensitive to heat
and cold. Erosion of critical bone support leads to loosened teeth that can
be permanently lost.
5. INCREASED TOOTH DECAY
- Sugar is added to smokeless tobacco during the curing and processing to
improve its taste. The sugar reacts with bacteria found naturally in the
mouth, causing an acid reaction, which leads to decay.
6. TOOTH DISCOLORATION AND
BAD BREATH - Common traits of long-term smokeless tobacco users are
stained teeth and bad breath. Moreover, the habit of continually spitting
can be both unsightly and offensive.
7. NICOTINE DEPENDENCE -
Nicotine blood levels achieved by smokeless tobacco use are similar to those
from cigarette smoking. Nicotine addiction can lead to an artificially
increased heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, it can constrict the
blood vessels that are necessary to carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the
body. Athletic performance and endurance levels are decreased by this
reaction.
8. UNHEALTHY EATING HABITS
- Chewing tobacco lessens a person's sense of taste and ability to smell. As
a result, users tend to eat more salty and sweet foods, both of which are
harmful if consumed in excess.
9. ORAL CANCER - With
the practice of "chewing" and "dipping," tobacco and its irritating juices
are left in contact with gums, cheeks and/or lips for prolonged periods of
time. This can result in a condition called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia appears
either as a smooth, white patch or as leathery-looking wrinkled skin. It
results in cancer in 3 percent to 5 percent of all cases.
10. OTHER CANCERS - All
forms of smokeless tobacco contain high concentrations of cancer-causing
agents. These substances subject users to increased cancer risk not only of
the oral cavity, but also the pharynx, larynx and esophagus.
DANGER SIGNS - If you use
smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for
some of these early signs of oral cancer:
* A sore that does not heal
* A lump or white patch
* A prolonged sore throat
* Difficulty in chewing
* Restricted movement of the
tongue or jaws
* A feeling of something in the
throat
Pain is rarely an early
symptom. For this reason, all tobacco users need regular dental check-ups.
The above information provided
by:
CALIFORNIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 13749, Sacramento, CA 95853-4749
916-443-0505
Ray Lauenstein is the author of
Baseball: Playing Outside the Lines and
The Making of a Student Athlete. If you would like
him to speak to your team, booster club or other group please contact him
via the online form or call 1-617-835-1836
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