Did you know that Columbus was a test market for a new kind of smokeless tobacco? The tobacco companies are trying to find ways around smoking bans which have been enacted in so many places and one of the products being test marketed in certain areas are dissolvable tobacco products. According to the first study to analyze the ingredients in these new products they have the potential to cause oral cancers and gum disease.

Researchers reported in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry that the products contain finely ground tobacco and other ingredients that are processed into a strip, stick or pellet that is marketed as smoke free and spit free. Since the product dissolves inside the mouth the effects on the mucous membranes and teeth is unavoidable. The ingredients contain mainly nicotine and sweeteners, flavoring ingredients and fillers. Scientific proof of the damage that nicotine can do to teeth and gums abounds including links to oral cancers and gum disease. Other ingredients have been linked to tooth decay.

Hopefully these products won’t get past the test-marketing stage but if they do, they are not a safer alternative to smoking and should be avoided. The report also expresses worries that children may mistake the product for candy due to packaging design.

Oral cancer screening is an important part of every dental check-up. If you haven’t had a dental examination recently please contact StoneRidge Dental Care at 614-476-6696 today. Early detection of gum disease, cavities and most importantly, possible oral cancers makes the treatment and cure of these diseases much easier. Please call to arrange your appointment today.