Dentists,
otolaryngologists—physicians concerned with the ears, nose, and throat—and the
Public Health Departments across the United Statesproclaimed the week of
February 16–22, 2014, as "Through With Chew Week" in an effort to
call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco. The Van Buren Youth Leadership
Council also worked to bring awareness to these dangers.
In 2011, 7.3% of high school
students in the United States used smokeless tobacco. The public awareness
campaign is designed to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people.
Youth Leadership Council Members
set up information about the harms of chewing tobacco during a display at
lunch. They used Mr. Gross Mouth as a prop and shared facts and information
with their peers to encourage them to quit using if they do, and to never start
if they don’t.
"Smokeless tobacco is not a
safe alternative to cigarettes, as some young people believe, and it is even
more habit forming because it contains a higher concentration of nicotine than
cigarettes," remarked Heidi Bainbridge YLC Advisor.
Smokeless tobacco can cause oral
cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums, and throat. In addition, smokeless
tobacco is addicting. The use of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other oral
problems, such as mouth sores, gum recession, tooth decay, bad breath, and permanent
discoloration of teeth.
