keeping my mouth healthy

[internope]

I am 49, in good health, and have been off cigarettes for over 14 years after smoking a pack-a-day from around 17-35. I have had a lot dental problems in the past, with a couple of pulled teeth replaced by implants, and periodontal treatment. My dental issues have stabilized, and my mouth is in pretty good shape, no bleeding when I floss, etc.

Last spring I picked up some 2mg nicotine gum for next to nothing at a garage sale and started chewing 1-2 pieces per week to help with concentration and fatigue when coffee wouldn't do the trick.

Because of the way that nicotine sharpens my thinking and concentration when I am not hooked I believe that I have adult ADHD and nicotine's impact on dopamine keeps me on track. I took up cigarette smoking for a week while on vacation this summer, probably smoked about 4 packs over 10 days. When I got back I found that I was craving the nic-fix, and started using the gum a little more often.

While shopping at an Indian market I picked up some dry nasal snuff on a whim and found that I enjoyed the kick. I have since tried some fancier european snuff, but it didn't take long for my body become accustomed to the snuff, and I don't like it so much that I want to use enough of it to sustain a nicotine "buzz". The drip, brown snot hankies, and nasal irrigation to clean my nose out is too much hassle.

I have been experimenting with Camel Snus, Skoal Mint Pouches, and a couple types of General Snus. I like the Camel and the "real" Snus, but I have found that the Skoal packs a nice punch, but it also makes my mouth feel like crap the next day, dried out tongue, scratchy throat. I don't seem to suffer as much from the Snus. I will probably try to stay out of the American dip and stick with Snus if I am going to continue with smokeless tobacco.

It is my understanding that TSNA is responsible for cancers from oral tobacco, but what about gum and tooth problems in the short term?

Is it the tobacco? The pH level? The sugars? The salt?

My harm reduction strategy has been to rinse thoroughly after each pouch and floss/water pik/brush three times a day.

What else should I do if I want to continue using without making my dentist and periodontist rich?

[Frosted]

I don't bother rinsing and I'm not that particular about dental care. I've been using snus for two and half years.
I have absoloutely no dental problems whatsoever - apart from a filling I needed a few months ago - I have absoloutely no staining either.

I pretty much permanently have a sterk in.
If there were any problems with snus I'd be the first to air it.

[internope]

I thought that maybe my mouth would toughen up after a bit, but three weeks into this I still have tongue irritation when I get snus spit on my tongue (general dry white and wintergreen portions). I also wake up in the night with a terrible dry mouth when I use american moist snuff. I also occasionally use betel nut paan masala products that have powdered lime, but other than a sensitive tongue I did not experience this dry mouth problem until I started on the tobacco.
As far as the rest of my mouth goes, I have not noticed any sores on my lips or gums, just some minor irritation as I would expect from the salt.

[Mr. Snuffleupagus]

Welcome! If you just stick to snus you shouldn't have any issues (maybe some gum recession). American dip and betel nut will wreck your mouth IMO. I would suggest using just snus if you are worried about it. I've had snus in my lip almost 24/7 for two years with no issues.

[lxskllr]

Snus can cause gum recession, but it isn't generally harmful to your mouth. Some people get it a lot, and others none at all.

[snusgetter]

For Dry Mouth, check out Biotene Mouthwash and/or Biotene Mouth Spray,
both formulated for dry mouth problems.

Available at pharmacies and even at some supermarkets (Giant, Stop & Shop,
etc). Sometimes available at Christmas Tree Shops at about 20-25% off.


A couple shots of spray does wonders, especially at bedtime!

[precious007]

Make sure to brush your teeth properly several times a day. (that will reduce the risks of gum related, teeth related problems)

I use organic toothpaste and rarely do mouth wash. My mouth doesn't dry up that much anyway.

Last spring I picked up some 2mg nicotine gum for next to nothing at a garage sale and started chewing 1-2 pieces per week to help with concentration and fatigue when coffee wouldn't do the trick.

I wonder why you've bough nicotine gum after 14 years of being smoke free. (I can't see any point)

You didn't even need the nicotine anymore..Not to mention nicotine gum is just annoying.
I highly doubt nicotine will sharpen your memory or ability to concentrate.

Anyway, try snus! It's a different experience.....

[dreed2]

I highly doubt nicotine will sharpen your memory or ability to concentrate.

Anyway, try snus! It's a different experience.....

Nicotine helps me with memory and ability to concentrate, especially when I'm writing computer code.

[internope]

I highly doubt nicotine will sharpen your memory or ability to concentrate.

It seems to help me for now. I am guessing that if I get a habit going again that it will be less effective.

Here is a link with some interesting reading on Nicotine as a "smart drug":
http://www.nootropics.com/nicotine/

[precious007]

Seems to be true, but as far as it goes nicotine helps with the memory and attention only if you're not hooked on it.

I've documented myself well enough off wikipedia and a few other websites ()

As if any other drug, the more you take and upper the dose, the substance will no longer have any effects on you whatsoever.

[tom502]

I'm having gum health concerns, making me want to quit tobacco of an oral use. I was doing some research on this, and I don't think it's "the" tobacco, but it all may have a cumulative effect, age, brushing too hard, diabetes, past smoker, I'm thinking maybe peridontal disease. I hate to floss. Again, growing up, we never flossed. And I hate it, and don't do it. Like a lot of things, I blame my raising. Though I am wanting to now work on making my mouth health better.

[Frosted]

Don't brush your teeth 3 times a day - that will cause gum recession.

[rkh3]

Bad gums run in my family, I am screwed whether I use snus or not. Just had my first periodontal surgery three weeks ago and am due for the next round next week. Smoked for 30 years.

I am not quitting snus.

[WickedKitchen]

My wife still likes suckin' face so I'd say it's pretty good.

[tom502]

I am seriously about to full on quit oral tobacco. I just don't want to put it in my mouth anymore. It reminds me of that akward summer night at Bible camp in the gazebo with the pastor. I've had some mental conflict with the whole idea. Going back and forth. It's not so much a health concern, but my gums and teeth were really bothering me while I was sick, maybe it made me dehydrated and made it worse. I still don't "blame" the tobacco use, I really think, looking back, it was the years of harsh brushing, you know we are always told to really brush your teeth(and gums) good. Yet when I think of a brush going up and down on my gums and teeth, compared with some soft tobacco just lying on my gum/teeth, I wonder what would be really hurting it more? I haven't used oral tobacco in 2 days, nor have I brushed my teeth, it may sound sound bad, but my gums and teeth were really feeling bad, like my teeth were gonna fall out, and now, I must say it's feeling better. I bought a new electrict toothbrush, it's this spinning head made by Arm&Hammer, and I searched for a better toothpaste, and got this Crest Health. I suspect I have gingivitus(yet my hair is not red, and I don't have prominant feckles nor very light skin). So, I plan on using this. I read negative things about flouride, yet I didn't see any non-flouride pastes at the store, and also when I think of Americans teeth compared with other countries, I'm not so sure of that negative flouride info. I do still have a little snus stash... I'm gonna sit on it for a few weeks, and if I am still fully decided to fully quit, I'll stick it on the exchange.