Oral cancer

[rkh3]

So, I am paranoid of cancer since my wife died of lung cancer in March. Not smoking related though she did smoke for 10 years 25 years ago.

I have been using snus for two years after smoking for 30. Recently my tongue has been really sensitive, first all over then tip and sides. I grind my teeth at night so if I don't use a night guard I damage the side of my tongue. I have transient white spots on the side of my tongue, there now gone in an hour but the tip and sides are sensitive with varying intensities. Snus use does seem to make it more sensitive.
I saw my primary a couple days ago who looked at my mouth and guessed I may have dry mouth due to some meds I am on. Seeing my periodontist tomorrow and am scared to death what he might say......
Has anyone here been diagnosed with oral cancer? If someone did post this would the post be deleted?

[halocog]

I think you should be okay. Do you use any other kinds of oral tobacco other than snus? Also, are you using any sort of minty snus? I'm no expert, but some of the minty stuff can cause plenty of irritation.

My advice: Keep the mint/wintergreen stuff to a minimum. Brush your teeth at least once a day and alternate the sides you put your snus in. If your dentist/doctor says you have oral cancer or leukoplakia, heed his/her advice and quit. But you should be fine.

[GoVegan]

Snus has been around for 200 years. Just google snus and oral cancer. I bet you cant name me 2 people who have gotten oral cancer from snus or even find me a credible study showing that snus increases your risk of oral cancer.

[rkh3]

Typical worry over nothing. Dry mouth caused by meds, he ground some sharp edges off a couple teeth, told me to wear the night guard every night, and stop using Tom's of Maine toothpaste, has real spearmint that is very irritating.
Starting to use Biotine mouthwash and toothpaste too, said it will make a huge difference.

Anxiety.......the side effect of losing my wife I'm told.

[whalen]

I never worry about snus and cancer, snus and gum recession yes.

[rkh3]

And he checked my gums, have had two periodontal surgeries prior, and said that they looked good.
I use a tin per day of Thunder Frosted Long, no ill effects on gums yet, prior surgeries were when I stopped smoking and just started snus.