Now, smokeless tobacco product use, such as chewing tobacco and snuff, is increasing with teens. With this increase, teens are developing sores in their mouths. These sores may be early warning signs of oral cancer. Researchers undertook a study of teens, examining the possible effects of alcohol, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco on oral health. Evidence showed that teens who use smokeless tobacco are at great risk of developing sores in their mouths.
White males are the most common users of smokeless tobacco.
These sores will often appear where the tobacco product is placed in the mouth. Snuff users are at higher risk of sores than those who use chewing tobacco. Sores in the mouth may appear white in colour with a spongy texture or may appear hard. Generally, smokeless tobacco users have poor oral hygiene and have a tendency for problems with receding gums and bone loss in the teeth, often resulting in missing teeth. The concern with these sores is that they may be early signs of oral cancer.