Q: I'm addicted to dip and need to quit. I noticed that after I dip the inside of my lip is a dark red. This really worries me. I don't know if it's the taste or the buzz that gets me, but I need to stop. Is there anyway to get the taste without the tobac

A: In the United States, 7 percent of males use smokeless tobacco on a regular basis, and 99 percent of dip users are male. The nicotine in dipping tobacco is delivered in an unusual way. After the tobacco is in the user's mouth, tiny shards of fiberglass within the dip make small cuts in the lip to more effectively deliver the nicotine. This may result in a sharp burning sensation in the mouth. Many young people are unaware of the dangers of dipping. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, 50 percent of high school students mistakenly believe that dipping is safer than smoking. The nicotine in dip is just as addictive as the nicotine in cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco causes severe gum recession that can leave the roots of teeth exposed and more susceptible to damage. It can result in bad breath, brown teeth, mouth sores and tooth decay due to the sugar added to dip. Dip users are 50 times more prone to mouth and throat cancers than non-users, and precancerous lesions can appear at an early age. It's great that you've recognized the need to quit. The inside of your lip is dark red after dipping because of inflammation caused by the tobacco and fiberglass. Depending upon the amount and frequency of your tobacco use, you may also be addicted to nicotine. Get rid of the tins and don't accept offers to share dip with others. If the taste of the flavored tobacco is what "gets" you, try flavored mints or gum as a substitute. If you are addicted to nicotine, another approach is flavored nicotine gum, which is briefly chewed, but then held between the cheek and gum in the same way as dip. Nicotine replacement therapy works best together with group counseling and support. Ask your doctor or school nurse for help in quitting this risky habit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To have TeenGrowth's board of physicians answer your health question, visit the Web site - www.teengrowth.com - or e-mail feedback@teengrowth.com.

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