Does chewing betel nut have any impact on the stomach?

Betel nut is a particularly flavorful food that is loved by some people. In moderation, it can have some benefits for the body. However, long-term or excessive consumption may have negative impacts on health. The most visible effect is tooth discoloration, but there are other potential consequences as well.

Does chewing betel nut have an impact on the stomach? In fact, it can also affect our gastrointestinal system. Let's take a closer look at the specific effects:

Betel nut residue can stain the lips and teeth, affecting appearance and damaging taste nerves and saliva secretion, which can interfere with digestion. The residue can also irritate the stomach lining, leading to inflammation or even perforation of the gastric mucosa, affecting nutrient absorption and leading to malnutrition. Excessive intake of arecoline can cause poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, increased urination, lethargy, convulsions, and even chest tightness, dizziness, and shock. In such cases, gastric lavage with potassium permanganate solution and injection of atropine may be necessary.

Firstly, chewing betel nut can lead to the formation of dental calculus due to the accumulation of calcium carbonate and betel nut juice in the mouth. Long-term chewing can also wear down tooth enamel, leading to cracks or fractures. Secondly, it can affect the temporomandibular joint, causing changes in occlusion, pain, and dysfunction due to tooth wear and joint surface erosion. This can lead to clicking or popping sounds and pain when opening or closing the mouth, which can be both painful and difficult to treat. Thirdly, betel nut fibers can be rough and hard, potentially injuring the gums or getting stuck between teeth, leading to inflammation and periodontal disease. The accumulation of calcium carbonate and betel nut residue can also lead to the formation of dental calculus, which can damage the gums, cause redness, swelling, and pain, and even expose the roots of the teeth, leading to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Finally, chewing betel nut can also cause submucosal fibrosis and leukoplakia in the oral cavity, which are precursor lesions of oral cancer. Symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth, pain, numbness, whitening of the oral mucosa, and ulceration.

In conclusion, while betel nut may have some benefits in moderation, excessive or long-term consumption can have serious consequences for oral and gastrointestinal health. It is important to be aware of these potential risks and consume betel nut in moderation or consider avoiding it altogether.