Adolescent Use of Smokeless Tobacco and Smoking Rates

Using smokeless tobacco and smoking are behaviors that increase the risk of developing oral cancer, soft-tissue lesions, tooth decay, gum disease and other oral conditions, in addition to risks to general health.  An analysis of participants from the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System led to the following findings.  Adolescents who were using smokeless tobacco were between four and ten times more likely to be engaging in concomitant smoking and to be participating in other risk-taking behaviors.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309