Addressing the myths and facts about tobacco addiction - smokeless and spit

Letter to the Editor,

The new tactic of the tobacco companies is to promote smokeless tobacco and spit as a way to quit smoking. However, those forms of tobacco are dangerous, too. Here are some myths taken from http://oralcancernews.org/wp/

Myth: Smokeless tobacco products are a safe alternative to tobacco smoking.

Fact:Smokeless is not harmless. The list of serious illnesses connected to any form of smokeless tobacco includes mouth cancer, cancer of the pancreas, tooth loss, and bone loss around the roots of teeth.

Myth: Smokeless tobacco contains less nicotine than cigarettes.

Fact:The amount of nicotine absorbed from a can of spit tobacco is equal to the amount delivered by three to four packs of cigarettes.

Myth: Smokeless tobacco is easy to give up, you can quit any time you want to.

Fact:Since smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, it’s as addictive as a cigarette and users will experience the same withdrawal symptoms. These are usually strongest the first week after quitting. The worst is over after two weeks.

Myth: Smokeless tobacco use will improve your social and romantic life.

Fact:Just the opposite!  Chewing and dipping carry a heavy social price, especially when it comes to dating. Bad breath, ugly gum disease and stained teeth are universally unappealing.  The bulging cheeks, gunk stuck in the mouth and spitting required by most smokeless tobacco is hardly date bait. Surgery for oral cancer can result in removal of parts of the face, tongue, cheek or lip.

There will be free spit quit kits at the Public Health Nurse office in Eureka and at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

— Micki Carvey

County Public Health Nurse