"Through With Chew Week" gets boost from local officials

Montana dentists, otolaryngologists—physicians concerned with the ears, nose, and throat have proclaimed the week of February 15–21, 2015, as "Through with Chew Week" in an effort to call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco. Montana has one of the highest rates of smokeless tobacco use in the nation.

According to the 2012 Montana Prevention Needs Assessment, 29.7% of Phillips County high school seniors used smokeless tobacco compared to 14.5% of high school seniors statewide.

The Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices is conducting an educational campaign for Through with Chew Week, February 15-21, 2015, with the message that chewing tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking. Smokeless tobacco use can cause oral cancers, dental disease, high blood pressure, nicotine addiction, and a variety of other health problems.

Recently, Malta High School reACT! members delivered “Quit Spit” Kits to the Phillips County Health Nurse, to be available for those who need help quitting chew tobacco. Malta Middle School reACT! Crew members will be addressing Boys & Girls Club members about health risks commonly associated with this type of tobacco during their “What’s In Spit Tobacco?” presentation during Through With Chew Week.

Included in this week is the Great American Spit Out, set for Thursday, February 19th, a day users can target as a quit date. In an effort to help detect early signs of oral cancers and help spit tobacco users quit, Dr. Veseth’s Dentist Office is offering free oral cancer screenings to chew or dip users who are concerned about their health and want information about quitting. People are asked to call 654-2554 to schedule an appointment for a screening during the month of February. Dr. Veseth will also provide information and resources to help users quit.

"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," according to Dr. Michael Veseth, DMD. Smokeless tobacco can cause oral cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums, and throat. In addition, smokeless tobacco is addicting.” Dr. Veseth stated, "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. "Through the month of February, Dr. Veseth is offering free oral cancer screenings at his office. To make your appointment, please call 654-2554. Through With Chew Week is sponsored by Dr. Veseth, DMD, and the Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices.

The Montana Tobacco Quit Line is a free service available to all Montanans who would like to quit using smokeless or other tobacco products. Calling the Quit Line is toll-free at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit the website at http://www.QuitNowMontana.com to enroll.