India’s traditional habits like chewing tobacco, betel nut (supari), betel leaf (paan), and mishri (tooth powder/fine tobacco) are deeply ingrained in the culture, but they pose severe risks to dental and general health.
Key Risks and Recommendations:
- Tooth Staining and Decay: These habits cause permanent staining and contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
- Oral Cancer: Tobacco and betel nut are major risk factors for oral cancers, affecting the tongue, cheeks, and gums.
- Gum Disease: Ingredients in mishri and tobacco are abrasive and damage gum tissues, causing pain, recession, and tooth loss.
- Precancerous Lesions: Regular users of paan, tobacco, and supari may develop white or red patches (leukoplakia, erythroplakia) in the mouth, which can progress to cancer if left untreated.
How to Protect Your Oral Health:
- Stay Informed: Many people are unaware of the severity of oral diseases linked to these habits. Educate family and friends about the risks.
- Get Regular Screenings: Early diagnosis is vital; oral cancer is treatable if caught early. Schedule routine dental check-ups, especially if using tobacco or related products.
- Seek Help to Quit: Consult a dentist or doctor for counseling and cessation programs—quitting these habits significantly reduces health risks.
- Switch to Healthy Alternatives: Choose safe mouth fresheners like fennel or cardamom, and use dentist-recommended tooth powders or toothpastes free from abrasive or tobacco ingredients.
