'Through with Chew Week' brings awareness to the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco

“Through with Chew Week” is February 14-20 and health officials, dentists, and physicians use the week to call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco.

In 2014, more than 5 of every 100 high school students (5.5%) in the United States used smokeless tobacco. The public awareness campaign is designed to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, as some young people believe, and it is even more habit forming because it contains a higher concentration of nicotine than cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco can cause oral cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums, and throat. In addition, smokeless tobacco is addicting. According CDCP, the use of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other oral problems, such as mouth sores, gum recession, tooth decay, bad breath, and permanent discoloration of teeth.

Additional information about smokeless tobacco can be found at http://dphhs.mt.gov.