Health officials encourage Montanans to quit smokeless tobacco during “Through with Chew 2012” week from Feb. 20 to 24.

A dangerous form of nicotine, smokeless tobacco heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease, oral cancers, diabetes and periodontal damage.

The weeklong observance is designed to raise awareness about the variety of dangerous nicotine products and resources for quitting as well as encourage people to share pathways to health.

Experts helping in the Flathead Valley include dentists who are offering Quit Spit Kits and educational materials. A select number of dentists also offer free oral cancer screenings. For a list, call 406-751-8260 or 406-751-8217.

Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, The Flathead City-County Health Department and the Coalition for a Healthy Flathead are sponsoring the campaign.

These health officials say smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes. These products contain nicotine and affect cardiovascular and oral health with large amounts of sugar and carcinogens.

These products help to maintain tobacco addiction and prevent users from escaping associated health and financial burdens.

“No matter if it’s from one of these new products, cigars, snuff, or old-fashioned chewing tobacco, nicotine is a highly addictive, dangerous drug,” said Elliot Welder, local tobacco use prevention specialist.

Welder wants to reach parents, teachers, administrators and coaches as well as youth with the message that chewing tobacco and the alternative oral tobacco products that cigarette companies keep producing are dangerous and unacceptable choices

“There is no good nicotine addiction,” said Lisa Schlepp, tobacco prevention specialist.

She said the campaign is about community members helping each other  get healthy and stop giving their money to tobacco companies in exchange for disease.

During February, callers to the Montana Tobacco Quit Line can receive four weeks of free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, discount medication and  expert counseling from trained tobacco addiction specialists. To contact the Quit Line, dial 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).