“Chewing Tobacco or E-Cigs Safer For Me?” - Las Vegas Family Dentist Responds

Those who are deciding to kick the habit often wonder if chewing tobacco is a viable, safer alternative. Unfortunately for those wondering, it is NOT a safer alternative by any means.

It may even be worse.

Research has shown that smokeless tobacco users are at an increased risk of cancer of the oral cavity compared to smokers. This is because smokeless tobacco remains in the mouth for long periods of time, causing harm.

Other Issues of Chewing Tobacco

Chewing tobacco may not come with the same risks as smoking it, but it does with it’s own set of risks and complications from habitual use:

• Leukoplakia – white patches in your mouth that often lead to cancer.

• Receding gums – since the pouch is left in the mouth for long.

• Oral cancer – esophagus, pancreas, pharynx, stomach, and throat are possible as well as the tobacco juices are constantly swallowed.

• Excess bacteria – pouches often contain a large amount of sugar that sits in your mouth, causing a party for bacteria which lead to decay and periodontal disease.

Verdict: no, chewing tobacco is absolutely not recommend over smoking tobacco as it is either just as bad or worse.

Read More on the Dangers of Tobacco. 

What About E-Cigarettes? Are They Safer?

There has not been much research performed yet on the topic of electronic cigarettes and the effect they have on oral hygiene. Whether or not they are truly “safe” is still in question with no definitive evidence.

However, electronic cigarettes come with certain benefits offered over traditional cigarettes:

• Not as likely to yellow your teeth – there is no tar involved with electronic cigarettes, which is responsible for yellow teeth from smoking regular cigarettes over time.

• No smell – well, there is a SMALL amount of smell upon inhaling, but otherwise you will not have to worry about smoke lingering on your clothes. 

• No combustion – there are no flames involved so combustion does not occur during e-cigarette usage. Water vapor occurs instead and it is healthier than the byproducts created during combustion.

With that said, we still cannot safely recommend e-cigarettes as a viable alternative to cigarettes as they have not been fully researched yet. But we can acknowledge the fact that it offers positive benefits over both cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

All we can really recommend is to kick the habit and find a new hobby. Of course, it’s much easier said than done but it’s quite the accomplishment to be proud of and there are plenty of ways to receive help – including your very own Las Vegas dentist!