You know what I’ve never understood? The appeal of smokeless tobacco to anybody not sitting in a baseball dugout. Chaw, dip, spits, grizz–nasty stuff. So if you’re a spitter, here’s a post for ya: The American Dental Association wants everyone to know that smokeless tobacco contains at least 28 cancer causing toxins, and they are in the best position to see what it can do to your trap.Here’s a list of oral health problems associated with chewing the chaw:
- Increased risk of oral cancer
- Increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease, possibly causing tooth loss and tooth sensitivity (awesome pictures here).
- Difficulty healing after a dental procedure.
- Limited treatment options for dental care, such as a dental implant.
- Staining of the teeth and tongue, as well as bad breath.
- Reduced ability to taste and smell.
Like I said, I never did get the chewing tobacco thing. I remember tutoring organic chemistry for the Student Learning Center at UC Berkeley, when sitting one day with a Cal football player trying to explain to him the alkene reactions, I couldn’t help but being distracted by his repeatedly spitting into a Styrofoam cup. I kept thinking…“That’s gross, dude.” And I was a cigarette smoker…ha ha ha…Imagine a smoker thinking your habit is disgusting? Smokeless tobacco is definitely on the bottom of the cesspool when it comes to the hierarchy of poisoning yourself (along with methamphetamine use, or sniffing paint).If you currently use smokeless tobacco, then…yuck! Hey it’s your health, your life, and your choice…but well, shoot, maybe you’d be interested in needle sharing, or unprotected sex with a $10 hooker. Same thing, dude.
