Chewing betel nut has become part of the Bhutanese culture. But many don’t seem to be aware of the consequences. Doctors say it can lead to a pre-cancerous condition called Oral Submucous Fibrosis. However, if detected early, doctors say it is preventable. Doctors at the national referral hospital say about six to eight patients with oral pre-cancer conditions visit the hospital daily these days.
According to health specialists, chewing betel nut has been linked with tooth decay, oral pre-cancerous condition and oral cancer among others.
‘‘The main cause of oral submucous fibrosis in our country is chewing betel nut and its products. They also have the habit of chewing tobacco, smoking, and alcoholism. All these factors cause the disease. But 90 per cent is preventable if we quit these habits,” said Dr Gyan Prasad Bajgai, Oral Medicine Specialist.
He added that people do not comply when they ask them to visit the hospital after every six months for a dental checkup.
He said this delays detecting the disease at an early stage.
Dr Gyan added that 90 per cent of oral precancerous conditions can be prevented.
‘‘So, if they come when there are no caries or caries has just started, then we can go for protective measures. We can go for filling. We can go for restorations. We can go for a root canal treatment and then we can save the tooth. But if they come at a very late stage, we cannot do all these procedures and the tooth has to be taken out and finally, a person loses his or her teeth.’’
But according to a few people, although they know that chewing betel nut can cause cancer, they are not able to quit it.
“Most people chew betel nut considering it as part of Bhutanese culture. When I don’t chew betel nut, I feel like something is missing. So, I have been chewing betel nut,” said Nim Gyelmo, a resident.
As per health reports, the country reported more than 400 cases of oral precancerous conditions in the last three years.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tshering Zam
