Question: I chew tobacco however I make sure to brush my teeth like three times a day. I also floss daily and use a strong mouthwash. I am not at the point where I want to stop chewing tobacco but I also do not want bad oral health.

 Answer: If you can you may wish to rethink chewing or start to slowing reducing how much you chew until you are able to quit completely. The side effects of chewing tobacco are many but since we are talking about your teeth here are the side effects related to just your mouth. I say the risk is not worth taking but that is still your choice.

1) Stained teeth
2) Bad breath
3) Sores on the gums and in the mouth that are stubborn to heal
4) Some of the effects on dental health are escalated by the sugar that is added to the tobacco during processing to improve the taste.
5) A higher risk of developing oral cancer