Smokeless tobacco use by youth: a health concern

Smokeless tobacco use in the United States has increased over the last two decades largely due to increased consumption by young people. Rates of use are highest among teenage and young adult males, and the most popular form of smokeless tobacco is moist snuff. Peer pressure as well as use of other addictive substances such as cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol, seem to correlate with current use. Frequent users of smokeless tobacco have an increased risk of developing gingival recession, leukoplakia, and oral cancer at the placement site. Other health concerns are related to the cardiovascular effects and addictive nature of nicotine. Because the smokeless tobacco habit is difficult to break, public health efforts have been largely aimed at prevention. The dental professional also can play an important role in recognizing the smokeless tobacco user and facilitating cessation.