Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
05:26
Examination of Oral Candida Infection in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Oral white lesions associated with chewing khat
Meir Gorsky1, Joel B Epstein, Harel Levi
1Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, The Maurice and Gabriella Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Tobacco Induced Diseases
|July 3, 2009
Summary
Khat chewing is linked to oral white lesions, primarily on the lower mouth tissues. These changes appear benign, but further research is needed to confirm findings in chronic khat users.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Oral Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Khat (Catha edulis) is a plant chewed for its mood-elevating properties, with increasing global use.
- The effects of khat chewing on oral mucosa are not well-documented.
- Unlike betel nut chewing, khat use has not been previously associated with oral malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of oral white lesions in chronic khat chewers.
- To compare oral mucosal changes in khat chewers versus non-chewers.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 47 Yemenite Israeli men (khat chewers, >3 years use) and 55 Yemenite men (non-chewers).
- Clinical examination of oral mucosa for white lesions.
- Vital staining (toluidine blue) and exfoliative cytology on a subset of lesions.
Main Results:
- Oral white lesions were significantly more common in khat chewers (83%) than non-chewers (16%).
- Lesions predominantly occurred on the lower buccal mucosa, alveolar mucosa, and mucobuccal fold on the side of chewing.
- No association was found between lesions and smoking; most lesions were homogenous, but non-homogenous lesions were more frequent in chewers.
Conclusions:
- Khat chewing is associated with oral white lesions, likely due to chronic mechanical and chemical irritation.
- The observed mucosal changes in khat users appear to be benign.
- Further longitudinal studies with histologic examination are recommended to confirm the benign nature of these lesions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:11Oral Cavity
The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...