Periodontitis presenting among betel quid users: A case series

Area of Science:

• Oral health
• Periodontology
• Dental public health

Background:

• Betel quid chewing is a traditional practice in many Asian countries.
• While betel leaf has potential benefits, it's strongly associated with oral diseases like periodontitis.
• This case series focuses on periodontitis presentation in betel quid users outside common usage regions.

Observation:

• Four Asian patients presented with periodontitis.
• All reported a history of betel leaf chewing, often initiated in childhood.
• Reddish-brown tooth staining and generalized bone loss were common findings.

Findings:

• Severe periodontitis (Stage III/IV, Grade C) was diagnosed in all patients.
• Obtaining a complete history was challenging due to the variety of vernacular names for betel quid.
• Patients disclosed their habit only after specific local terms were used.

Implications:

• Oral healthcare providers must be aware of betel quid's association with periodontitis.
• Thorough history taking, including knowledge of local betel quid names, is crucial for diagnosis.
• Incorporating cessation advice and tailored periodontal maintenance is vital for affected patients.