Helping Your Dad Quit Chewing Tobacco: A Comprehensive Guide

This is a very serious question my dad has been doing chewing tobacco for decades. Started back in the Marine Corps, he keeps saying he'll quit, but he just bought a pack of 10 chew containers. How can I help him? I don't want to see his jaw come off. While many people believe that using chewing tobacco can cause severe damage, taking excellent care of your mouth can help mitigate these risks.

Preventive Measures:

Never Let His Jaw Come Off

Your father’s jaw won’t come off like a lot of people think. If he takes excellent care of his mouth, he’ll generally be just fine for the longest time. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help in managing the risks associated with using chewing tobacco.

Personal Experience with Chewing Tobacco

I’ve been using chewing tobacco and I’m trying to quit right now for a decade. Because I take care of my mouth, I’ve never had any dip/chaw-related problems. Unlike many others, I much prefer pouches over long cut or chaw. However, unless you've been addicted to dipping or chewing, you won't truly understand the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms you will face.

Quitting chewing tobacco is much harder compared to quitting cigarettes. Cigarettes? Pfft, that's child's play compared to smokeless tobacco. I'm doing double the nicotine if not more when I put a pouch, a pinch, or a cheek in. You'll very quickly build up a tolerance and your consumption will increase to match it.

Strategies for Your Father:

Finding a New Spot for Dip or Chew

Everyone, even your papa, has their favorite spot for dip or chew. Switch it up for a bit and see if you don't get the same gator lip you normally would. By doing this, you might not develop the problems that typically arise. As long as you do this and take care of your mouth properly, you can avoid many issues.

Consider Snus for a Safer Alternative

Simply put, I’d order him some Snus if you really want to see a change. Compared to American products, I much prefer Snus because the flavor doesn't burn and I don't have to spit constantly. It's wonderfully perfect, and there are plenty of flavors available, such as honey, pineapple mint, grape, and more. You can pick your choice, and it's likely there.

Snus has never been linked to any health issues, and the Swedes have been using it for hundreds of years with no noticed problems. Snus is a safer alternative that can reduce the risks associated with chewing tobacco.

Remember, the key to quitting chewing tobacco is to do it gradually and with support. Encourage your father to talk to a healthcare professional and explore different options to help him quit. With the right mindset and the right tools, he can improve his oral health and overall well-being.