Characterization of bacteria in betel quiz chewers and non- chewers and their associated oral health status

Aim: To evaluate oral health status, periodontal status, gingival status, oral lesions and bacterial characterization among betel quid chewers and non chewers. Material and Methods: The data was collected regarding socio-demographic characteristic, oral hygiene status, gingival status, periodontal status, bacterial characterization among betel quid chewers and non chewers. The microbiological examination was carried out to assess the micro flora. The statical analysis was done by using SPSS version 21(Chicago ,USA). The p value≤ 0.05 was found to be statistically significant. Results: Aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria were more characterized among quid chewers as compared to non quid chewers. Significant co-relation was found between oral hygiene status and gingival status ,CPI and LOA, oral lesions and bacterial characterization among quid chewers characterization (r=0.391, 0.932, 572 respectively p-value=0.000, S) and among non quid chewers significant correlation was found between CPI and LOA scores (r=0.658 p-value=0.000, S). Conclusions: Chewing betel quid has been found in role of detoriation of oral hygiene gingival status periodontal status and also development of oral lesions.

Effects of Betel Nut Chewing on Lung Function of Students in the National Capital District, Papua New Guinea

The effect of betel (areca catechu) nut chewing on the function of the normal human lungs is yet to be fully established. However, it has been noted that chewing betel nut could aggravate acute attacks of asthma in asthmatic patients. A total of 77 students in the age group 19 to 25 years selected randomly in higher learning institutes in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea underwent spirometry tests. Of the 77 students, 34 (44.2%) were males and 43 (55.8%) were females. Out of the 34 male students, 24 (70.6%) were betel nut chewers and 10 (29.4%) were non chewers. Of the 43 female students, 26 (60.5%) were betel nut chewers and 17 (39.5%) were non chewers. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the spirometry parameters between the chewers and non-chewers in both groups. However, negative correlations were observed between number of nuts chewed per day and FEV₁/FVC in female chewers and also between frequency of chewing and FEV₁ in male chewers.