Mouth Sores

The most common sign of possible cancer in smokeless tobacco users is leukoplakia, a white scaly patch or lesion inside the mouth or lips, common among many chewing tobacco users. Red sores are also a warning sign of cancer. Often, signs of precancerous lesions are undetectable. Dentists can diagnose and treat such cases before the condition develops into oral cancer. If a white or red sore appears and doesn't heal, see your dentist immediately for a test to see if it's precancerous.Chewing tobacco users also should see their dentist every three months, to make sure a problem doesn't develop. Studies have found that 60 to 78 percent of chewing tobacco users have oral lesions.Those who mix snuff and chewing tobacco, are more likely to develop precancerous lesions than those who use only one type of chewing tobacco. Long-term snuff users have a 50 percent greater risk of developing oral cancer than non-users, and chewing tobacco users are more likely to become cigarette smokers.