What Is Reverse Smoking?

Reverse smoking involves smoking a cigarette or cigar from the lit end. It is a dangerous practice that can cause cancer of the mouth. In areas where reverse smoking is popular, oral cancer rates are high.

Definition

• Reverse smoking refers to a smoker putting the lit end of a cigarette into his mouth. The smoker then inhales the smoke from the lit end.

Demographics

• Reverse smoking is popular in some areas of India, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Panama and Sardinia. The practice is rare in the rest of the world.

Risk

• Reverse smoking is a risk factor for cancer of the hard palate, the top inside area of the mouth. In countries where reverse smoking is not popular, cancer of the hard palate is rare.