Betel nut chewing and its deleterious effects on oral cavity.

[oral submucous fibrosis]

The habit of chewing betel nut has a long history of use . Betel nut and products derived from it are widely used as a masticatory product among various communities and in several countries across the world . Over a long period , several additives have been added to a simple betel nut preparation ; thus , creating the betel quid (BQ ) and encompassing chewing tobacco in the preparation . Betel nut has deleterious effects on oral soft tissues . Its effects on dental caries and periodontal diseases , two major oral diseases are less well-documented . Betel-induced lichenoid lesions mainly on buccal mucosa have been reported at quid retained sites . In chronic chewers , a condition called betel chewers mucosa is often found where the quid is placed . Betel nut chewing is implicated in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF ) and its use along with tobacco can cause leukoplakia , both of which are potentially malignant in the oral cavity . Oral cancer often arises from such precancerous changes . Thus , public health measures to quit betel use are recommended to control disabling conditions such as OSF and oral cancer .