EC Dental Science

Background: Chewing betel quid is a custom that is widespread throughout Asia, has been linked to a number of oral health problems such as periodontitis. It entails consuming a mixture of areca nut, lime, betel leaf, and occasionally tobacco.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the duration and frequency of betel quid chewing behavior on periodontitis severity in individuals coming to Periodontology OPD.

Materials and Methods: The type of study was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. A logbook questionnaire was used to obtain socio demographic data, plaque index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss and pocket depth.

Results: The largest number of respondents was male. Duration of chewing had a significant relationship with the frequency of chewing and periodontal status. Periodontitis was higher compared to all categories.

Conclusion: The betel nut chewing greatly influences people’s oral health. Prolonged and excessive use of betel nut induced significant adverse effects on human health. The longer and more often chew betel or areca nut, the higher the incidence of periodontitis, which significantly affects the quality of life as there is a possibility of the development of carcinogenesis, particularly in the oral cavity.

 Keywords: Betel Nut; Betel Nut Chewing; Periodontitis; Oral Cancer; Clinical Attachment Loss; Gingival Bleeding; Pocket Depth

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