GUTKHA THE MOUTH FRESHENER THAT KILLS

Gutka is a preparation of crushed betel nuts and tobacco. It originated in the Indian Subcontinent, where gutka consumption is widespread today, and spread from there to areas with a large Indian population. Like other tobacco products, gutka is potentially addictive and cancerous.

            In addition to betel nuts and tobacco, gutka also includes an extract of acacia called catechu, and slaked lime, which is designed to catalyze a chemical reaction when gutkha is chewed, releasing alkaloids in the blend to make it more powerful. Gutka is also usually blended with spices and seasonings, which can make it sour, hot, or sweet. Sometimes traditional Ayurvedic herbs are used to give gutka an illusion of respectability, and sweet flavourings are often designed to appeal specifically to children. Some packaging does not mention tobacco as an ingredient, some are chocolate-flavored, and some are marketed as breath fresheners.

            One of the biggest groups of gutka users are children, Due to its often flavorful taste, easy availability and cheapness, it is popular with school children, who can exhibit pre-cancerous lesions at a very early age as a result. Gutka is also used by many as an alternative to cigarettes who are trying to quit smoking, or individuals who wish to avoid the social consequences of smoking and is claimed to curb the need to smoke but eventually becomes another tough to quit habit.

                Scientific studies on the health effects of betel gutkha have found it to be carcinogenic to humans. Gutkha is known to cause oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSF), a pre-cancerous lesion characterized by stiffness of the oral mucosa resulting in an inability to open the mouth, says Dr. Akshay Ranade, oncologist with Sahyadri hospital. In his private setup, he gets 25-30 new cases every month

             Many users are unaware of how addictive gutka can be, and they are greatly surprised when they attempt to give up the habit. In 2008 about 5 million children under 15 are addicted to gutka. A survey in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh yielded precursor of mouth cancers in 16 percent of the children.

            Excessive gutka use can eventually lead to loss of appetite, promote unusual sleep patterns, loss of concentration etc along with other tobacco related problems. A prominent stained teeth ranging from mild yellowish-orange to reddish-black can easily identify a gutka user. The stains are difficult to remove by normal brushing and usually need the attention of a dentist. After gutkha is consumed, it is generally spat onto a wall or the ground, causing an unsightly red stain that is quite resistant to the elements.
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By :  News Team