How does snuff and chewing tobacco harm my dental health?
It causes bad breath, discolors teeth and promotes tooth decay that leads to tooth loss. Spit tobacco users have a decreased sense of smell and taste, and they are at greater risk of developing cavities. The grit in snuff eats away at gums, exposing tooth roots which are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and can be painful. Sugar in spit tobacco causes decay. Spit tobacco users also have a hard time getting their teeth clean. What about mouth sores? The most common sign of possible cancer in smokeless tobacco users is leukoplakia, (loo-ko-play-key-ah) a white scaly patch or lesion inside the mouth or lips, common among many spit tobacco users. Red sores are also a warning sign of cancer. Often, signs of precancerous lesions are undetectable. Dentists can diagnose and treat such cases before the condition develops into oral cancer. If a white or red sore appears and doesn’t heal, see your dentist immediately for a test to see if it’s precancerous. Spit tobacco users also should see
