Butte dentists and otolaryngologists – physicians specializing in ear, nose, and throat – the Butte Silver Bow Health Department and the Tobacco Free Butte Coalition recognizes the week of Feb. 21-27 as "Through with Chew Week," in an effort to call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco.
According to the 2015 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 25.2 percent of male high school seniors in Montana use smokeless tobacco. The Through with Chew campaign is designed to help reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people.
During Through with Chew Week, East Middle School students will hold a poster drawing contest to bring attention to the danger of using smokeless tobacco. Additionally, local dentists will be providing free Quit Spit Kits at their dental practices.
“Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, as many young people believe, in fact, it is even more habit-forming due to its higher concentration of nicotine,” said Frank Rozan, tobacco prevention specialist with the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department.
Smokeless tobacco can cause oral cancer, including in the cheeks, gums, and throat. “The use of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other problems, from heart disease and pancreatic cancer, to sever oral health issues, such as mouth sores, gum recession, tooth decay, bad breath, and permanent discoloration of teeth,” Rozan said.
The Montana Tobacco Quit Line is a free service available to all Montanans who want to quit using tobacco products. Call toll-free at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit their website: www.QuitNowMontana.com to enroll.
For more information on Through with Chew Week please contact Frank Rozan at the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department at (406) 497-5044.