CARCINOGENIC IMPACT OF BETEL NUT ON ORAL HEALTH: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Dr. Rajkumar Sharma, Dr. Monika Sharma

ABSTRACT

Chewing betel nuts can lead to a number of health issues, including mouth cancer. Betel nut use is believed to number 600 million, making it the fourth most frequent addiction after alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Humans can develop cancer from betel nuts, whether or not they include tobacco. Users of betel nuts had poor periodontal health, poor oral hygiene, and more gingival lesions and gum bleeding. areca nut leaves stimulate the central nervous system, gynaecological diseases, gastrointestinal ailments, and sore throats. The nut has also been employed as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. Increased use of betel nuts might result in giddiness, nausea, and unconsciousness, according to Acharya Bhavprakash. People today utilise betel nuts improperly, which raises their risk of developing mouth cancer and poor oral hygiene. The current review emphasises betel nut carcinogenicity, preventative strategies, and scientific support for these claims.

Keywords: Betel nut, Supari, Oral Cancer, Oral sub mucous fibrosis.