Addictions lead you to nowhere there are many kinds of addictions we are familiar to. Recently I was shared with the addiction of Betel Nut by one of my colleague. It is quite common in south eastern countries. What I have realized that there are few people who feel very proud for their addictions. These addictions seem to attach some element of royalty to their persona but the truth is something dreadful.
Betel Nut commonly known as Dakhani Supari is another name of Areca Nut or Pinang. Its chewing is believed to generate a sense of well-being, euphoria, heightened alertness, sweating, salivation, a hot sensation in the body and increased capacity to work. It also increases plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine which means that it mainly affects the central and autonomic nervous systems.
I was not aware of this side of addiction of beetle nut and other chewing addictions. Our traditions hold betel nut and leaves in high esteem. It is considered as an after meal digestive, there was also a custom to chew Areca nut and betel leaf among lovers because of its breath-freshening and relaxant properties. According to traditional Ayurvedic medicine chewing areca nut and betel leaf is a good remedy against bad breath. Formerly it was a custom of the royalty to chew it. Kings had special attendants carrying a box with the ingredients for a good chewing session. Considered an auspicious ingredient in Hinduism, the Areca nut is still used along with betel leaf in religious ceremonies and also while honouring individuals in most of Southern Asia. The following view is of the opened jaw on operation table during surgery.
The biggest danger involved with this addiction is a serious debilitating and progressive disease Sub Mucous Fibrosis which is a permanent thickening and hardening of the inner lining of the mouth, it causes stiffening of the oral mucosa and development of fibrous bands resulting in a restricted mouth opening. Sub Mucous fibrosis is not reversible nor is there any effective cure. The most serious aspect of this disease is its precancerous nature. In some cases the jaws need to be removed.
It involves the risk of developing oral cancer among individuals with oral sub-mucous fibrosis has been demonstrated to be very high, especially if they also use tobacco, whether in smokeless or smoking form. It has been proved that in the presence of salivary nitrates, areca nut alkaloids can form nitrosamines that are carcinogenic. There are case reports of oral cancer developing among individuals who use areca nut but do not use tobacco in any form. The following view is of the patients face after being got operated.
The symptoms of oral mucous fibrosis initially cause irritation in the mouth, which gradually leads to thickening and hardening. Gradually the mouth opening decreases till one finds it impossible to open one’s mouth at all. The tongue loses its roughness and becomes smooth and white. Taste sensation is gradually lost and ability to tolerate spicy foods diminishes.
The only way to prevent this disease is by stopping the chewing of betel nut or anything else that may cause this disease.
PS: I am thankful to my colleague who shared his personal pictures of his relative’s operation with me to spread awareness regarding this cruel addiction.
Mood: 
Uncomfortable
my name is cortney i am 17. I have an issue with chewing on the inside of my mouth and it has been an on going situation for the past 6 months. I have not a clue what the issue may be and it’s been bothering me. I would appreciate some notification on what this problem could be and/or turn into.