ASSOCIATION OF QAT CHEWING AND GINGIVAL RECESSION

Ismail A. Darout*, Hamid A. Elshwkani

ABSTRACT

Background: Qat chewing is widely practiced by adult population in Jazan region. Both periodontal disease and teeth discoloration are the most common problems reportedly associated with qat chewing. The aims of the present study were to explore among adult qat chewers the association of qat chewing side and gingival recession and to study oral hygiene status of the chewers. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on a convenience sample of 41 adult males attending dental clinics, College of Dentistry, University of Jazan with good general health of > 18 years of age. Interviewing questionnaires were used to assess chewing habits, oral health status and possible risk factor for gingival recession. The clinical periodontal examination was conducted to assess gingival recession in relation to qat chewing. The data were processed and analyzed by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0, Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Results: Of the total participants, 56% were toothbrush users and 24.4% using combine toothbrush and miswak as an oral hygiene and only 9.8% used miswak sticks alone. 56.1% reported chewing qat for ≥9 years and 43.9% for ≤8year respectively. 39% of the toothbrush users and 19.5% of miswak users reported horizontal technique. Just brushing was 41.5% toothbrush users and 61% of miswak users. Common side of qat chewing was left side 61.6% and 34.2% right respectively. Gingival recession was significantly (p=005) correlated with chewing side. Conclusion: The results show that there is a significant gingival recession in qat chewers that gingival recession in most cases related to left side of the chewers.

Keywords: Qat chewing; periodontal health; gingival recession; oral Health.