signs that you may have disease or cancer from chewing tobacco?

Question

I've chewed for almost a year now, and just recently just for like a day my gums towards my wisdom teeth have been aching. Should I be concerened or what are the signs you are getting cancer from chew? I have a date I'm going to start quitting next week but I'm taking it slow so you don't have to preach to me... thanks

Answer 1

No preaching. It may help to see a dentist to rule out other dental/oral problems.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/oralcancer.html

Answer 2

Yep, be concerned. This is a little preachy but it does tell what some of the warning signs are:

"Consequences of chewing and spitting tobacco include:
* cracking and bleeding lips and gums
* receding gums, which can eventually make your teeth fall out
* increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats, all leading to a greater risk of heart attacks and brain damage (from a stroke)
* cancer."

However, the California Dental Association notes pain is rarely a warning sign of oral cancer, so it's all the more important you watch out for the other symptoms:
* A sore that does not heal
* A lump or white patch
* A prolonged sore throat
* Difficulty in chewing
* Restricted movement of the tongue or jaws
* A feeling of something in the throat

Also, when they say pain is "not usually" a symptom, it means it could be.....

Answer 3

First sign is leukoplakia, or a white colored sore in the mouth. It can also progress from there to erythroplakia which is when the lesion becomes vascularized and takes on the color of the red blood cells.
See your Doc about it because most people don't before it's too late.

Answer 4

umm.. if ur concerned about having a disease or cancer or somethin, maybe u should see a doctor. i cant tell you any signs for it but ya definitely take it slow while quitting. if u quit cold turkey then it will just blow up in your face.