Dip and Tooth loss

[pangloss]

Curious about degree of gum recession/tooth loss due to Dip vs. Snus

[snusjus]

Contrary to popular belief, smokeless tobacco rarely causes mouth cancer or tooth loss. Even the older, high-TSNA smokeless tobacco posed a very small risk for cancer and other dental problems. According to some studies, most dippers will not develop oral cancer until they are in their 50's and 60's, and that amount is still very small compared to cigarette smokers. When compared to never tobacco users, the risk is not elevated significantly.

Snus even poses a smaller risk, since it has a fraction of the TSNAs. While all smokeless tobacco will cause some degree of gum irritation, remember that other things can cause gum irritation as well. When I was young, I developed severe gum recession for brushing my teeth too hard! This was before I used any form of tobacco.

[pangloss]

Contrary to popular belief, smokeless tobacco rarely causes mouth cancer or tooth loss. Even the older, high-TSNA smokeless tobacco posed a very small risk for cancer and other dental problems. According to some studies, most dippers will not develop oral cancer until they are in their 50's and 60's, and that amount is still very small compared to cigarette smokers. When compared to never tobacco users, the risk is not elevated significantly.

Snus even poses a smaller risk, since it has a fraction of the TSNAs. While all smokeless tobacco will cause some degree of gum irritation, remember that other things can cause gum irritation as well. When I was young, I developed severe gum recession for brushing my teeth too hard! This was before I used any form of tobacco.

That is quite interesting. Thank you for your response. I find it interesting that Dip is a safer alternative to smoking yet it is perceived as just as bad (lung vs. oral cancer).

the whole concept of dip just conjures images of men missing their mandible (lower jaw) or opening their mouth to show severe gum disease and tooth loss.

Because I am so new to snus, I was trying to clarify the oral risk (as I am sure many members of the forum are former/current dip users) of Dip and see what the actual risk of tooth loss for snus is.

the studies that I have found only seem to be concerned with major endpoints like mortality or cancer and don't focus on the "smaller" issues like tooth and gum disease.

Thanks! :idea: