Smokeless Tobacco Risks Noted During Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

The Bradenton (FL) Herald (4/14, Dymond) reports that while only a small percentage of dental patients still chew tobacco, about 20 percent still smoke. One local dentist “uses his charm and wit to urge patients to give up” the habits “due to the dangers of both,” especially during April, which is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Another Florida dentist points out that three of four people she sees who say they use smokeless tobacco present with pre-cancerous lesions in their oral cavity. The Herald reports that the scale “began tipping against dipping after the 2014 death of former San Diego Padre Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who contracted salivary gland cancer and attributed it to his habit of using chewing tobacco.” Gwynn was 54.

        Meanwhile, also as part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald (4/13) reports that North Athens Implant and Family Dentistry is offering free oral cancer screenings through April 17. “People who use tobacco, including smoking cigarettes, and who drink alcohol heavily are at increased risk for oral cancers,” the article notes, adding that such cancers are most prevalent in people over 40.