Betel nut: a time bomb for oral mucosa

Since ancient times, betel nut has been a favorite fruit for residents in southeastern coastal areas of my country and Hunan to entertain guests and friends. Passing cigarettes to acquaintances seems to have become a thing of the past, and passing betel nut has become an increasingly frequent "social etiquette". But who would have thought that it is like a "time bomb", some people are lucky, and some are completely unaware.

Arecoline contained in betel nut can stimulate the secretion of adrenal cortex hormones, making people feel excited and slightly happy. Long-term chewing is as addictive as nicotine in cigarettes. However, "smoking is harmful to health" is printed on cigarette boxes, but the packaging of betel nut will never tell you: "chewing betel nut can cause oral mucosal diseases and oral cancer."

Why is betel nut compared to a "time bomb" of the oral mucosa?

Let's take a look at what reactions occur between betel nut and oral mucosa:

① During the process of chewing betel nut, betel nut is constantly in contact with the oral mucosa, and the crude fiber forms mechanical stimulation to the oral mucosa, causing micro-trauma to the oral mucosa;

② The alkaloids in betel nut will be absorbed by the mucous membrane and affect cell metabolism;

③The chemical components in betel nut can also irritate the mucosa. Early irritation leads to further atrophy and ulcers of the oral mucosa. Persistent tissue inflammation leads to oral submucosal fibrosis and even oral cancer.

These close reactions are actually potential hidden dangers. Isn't this enough to show that betel nut is a "time bomb" for the oral mucosa? In this case, are you still afraid of chewing betel nut?

So, what exactly is oral submucous fibrosis?

Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic oral disease that can accumulate in any part of the oral cavity. The World Health Organization lists it as a potential malignant disease of the oral mucosa , which carries a certain risk of cancer. The occurrence of this disease is closely related to betel nut chewing. Studies have shown that among people who chew betel nut, the cancer rate of oral submucous fibrosis is about 7%-30%. So, how do we find out if we or our family members have oral submucous fibrosis? Clinically, it often manifests as the following symptoms:

① The oral mucosa turns white with a leathery texture change;

②Burning pain in oral mucosa;

③Pain after eating irritating food;

④Dry mouth and decreased sense of taste;

⑤ Mucosal blisters and ulcers;

⑥Numbness of lips and tongue, atrophy of tongue papillae;

⑦ Limited mouth opening.

In addition, we also found that people who like to chew betel nuts often have bad habits of smoking and drinking. Little do they know that smoking, drinking and chewing betel nuts are closely related to the occurrence of oral cancer. As the saying goes, "betel nuts plus cigarettes, four legs upside down. Betel nuts with wine, immortal. Betel nuts plus cigarettes and wine, the king of hell is beckoning." Some studies have also shown that the incidence of oral cancer in people who smoke, drink and chew betel nuts at the same time is 123 times that of normal people. Therefore, facing the things that people are addicted to, you always need some restraint, please firmly say "no"!

If you are addicted to betel nut, you must give up the habit of chewing betel nut. When you want to chew betel nut, you can use harmless food such as chewing gum instead. At the same time, you should also change your bad living habits, including quitting smoking and drinking, eating less spicy and irritating foods, eating more vegetables and fruits, and having a balanced diet. If you have clinical manifestations of oral submucous fibrosis, or even symptoms of suspected oral cancer, you should go to a specialist hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, so as to detect and treat it early.

At present, betel nut has been listed as a Class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, various betel nut advertisements have been banned in recent years. We must correctly understand the harm of betel nut. Let us work together to stay away from betel nut, protect our oral cavity, and cherish our lives!