Mouth tobacco use linked to oral cancer and additional health risks
Chewing tobacco, often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, poses a significant risk to oral health. This misconception stems from the belief that because chewing tobacco does not involve inhalation, it is less harmful. However, recent studies have shown that chewing tobacco exposes oral tissues directly to carcinogens, leading to a chronic, pro-inflammatory oral environment and a high risk of oral cancers.
Oral cancers account for approximately 50% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States [1]. These cancers can manifest in various locations, including the tongue, throat, and tissues lining the mouth. Oral cancer can present as a visible lesion, lump, or sore in the oral cavity. Other symptoms include oral sores that do not heal, persistent oral pain or discomfort, white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth, difficulty eating and speaking, swelling of the jaw or face, a lump in the neck or throat, difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, numbness of the tongue or lips, loose teeth, and vocal changes [2].
Chewing tobacco contains nicotine and toxic chemicals that can trigger malignant cell changes, leading to oral cancer. These carcinogenic chemicals damage oral tissues, causing chronic inflammation and premalignant changes that can progress to oral cancer. Both smoking and chewing tobacco impact the oral environment, including the oral microbiome, which further contributes to carcinogenesis [3].
It's essential to note that not all cases of leukoplakia, a condition characterized by white or gray tissue changes in the mouth or throat that may be precancerous or cancerous, turn into cancer. However, some may develop into cancer if left untreated [2].
Smoking tobacco, on the other hand, delivers carcinogens via inhalation, affecting oral tissues and many other organs. It is strongly linked to oral cancer as well as lung and systemic diseases [1]. In fact, all forms of tobacco carry harmful chemicals that increase oral cancer risk, with smoking additionally associated with other diseases like lung and laryngeal cancers, cardiovascular disease, and COPD [3].
In the fight against oral cancer, avoiding risk factors such as tobacco use, consuming large amounts of alcohol, and using sun protection when outdoors is crucial. Regular oral cancer screenings can also increase the likelihood of a good outlook [4]. For those looking for an alternative to chewing tobacco, nicotine gum or patches, as well as tobacco-free pouches containing safe and natural ingredients like mint and coffee, provide safer ways to deliver nicotine [5].
In conclusion, chewing tobacco is not a safer alternative for oral health. It significantly raises the risk of oral cancer through direct exposure to carcinogens and inflammation. Smoking, too, carries broader health risks beyond the oral cavity [3]. It's essential to be aware of these risks and make informed decisions about tobacco use to protect our health.
References:
- American Cancer Society. (2021). What Are the Key Statistics About Oral Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Oral Cancer: Risk Factors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/oral/hp/oral-types-risk-factors-pdq
- American Dental Association. (2021). Smokeless Tobacco: A Dangerous Habit. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/health-information-resources/oral-health-topics/smokeless-tobacco-a-dangerous-habit
- American Cancer Society. (2021). What Are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2021). Smokeless Tobacco. Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tobacco/smokeless-tobacco
- Despite the misconception that chewing tobacco is safer, it poses a high risk for nicotine addiction and oral cancers due to direct exposure to carcinogens.
- Studies have shown that the chronic, pro-inflammatory oral environment caused by chewing tobacco can lead to oral cancers, accounting for roughly 50% of cancers diagnosed annually in the US.
- Oral cancers can manifest in various locations, including the tongue, throat, and mouth, and may present as visible lesions, sores, or persistent oral pain.
- Not all cases of leukoplakia, a precancerous or cancerous condition marked by white or gray tissue changes, become cancerous, but some may develop into cancer if left untreated.
- Smoking tobacco, on the other hand, increases the risk of oral cancer, lung and systemic diseases, and is associated with other cancers like lung and laryngeal cancers, cardiovascular disease, and COPD.
- In the pursuit of oral health and wellness, it's crucial to avoid risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and any sun exposure without proper protection.
- Regular screenings can increase the likelihood of a good outlook for oral cancer, while alternatives to chewing tobacco like nicotine gum, patches, or tobacco-free pouches containing natural ingredients could provide safer ways to manage nicotine addiction.
- Beyond protecting oral health, it's essential to be aware of the broader health risks associated with tobacco use, including the increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, skin care concerns, and certain cancers, as well as the potential benefits of therapies, treatments, nutrition, fitness, and exercise, and even sports betting, for overall health and wellness.
