Warning Signs

Smoking commercial cigarettes and cigars puts off a strong, undeniable tobacco scent that can linger on clothes, inside vehicles and on the smoker’s breath.

The physical and mental signs of smoking could present as:

• Bad breath or acts to alleviate bad breath
• Yellowing teeth or increased oral health issues
• Shortness of breath
• A chronic cough or scratchy voice
• Irritability that is minimized after a few minutes outside

The signs of vaping are not typically as clear as those for cigarettes and cigars — vaping is odorless unless the cloud is from flavored juices. This makes it easier for youth to vape indoors undetected.

Perhaps the clearest evidence of vaping is finding an e-cigarette, vape juice or other related products stowed amongst your child’s things.

Learn More About E-Cigarette Devices Here

The physical and mental signs of vaping could present as:

• Bad breath
• Shortness of breath
• Increased stress
• Trouble concentrating
• Symptoms of anxiety
• Symptoms of depression
• Irritability from withdrawals

Chewing tobacco allows nicotine into your child’s bloodstream through the mouth, leading to an increased risk of oral cancer and serious oral health problems.

The signs of chewing tobacco could present as:

• Irritated gums
• Receding gum lines
• High blood pressure
• Cracked or bleeding lips
• Excessive spitting in trash cans or cups
• Red or white patches on the gums

Another sign that your child is using smokeless tobacco is by finding the tin or pouch with the product amongst their belongings.