Oral hygiene and periodontal health status among khat chewers. A case-control study

Abstract

BackgroundHabitual khat chewing is a widespread male habit in Southern Arabia and East Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Khat chewing on oral hygiene and periodontal health status among Yemeni male khat chewers.Material and MethodsThis case- control study included 310 khat chewers, aged 20-65 years, and 72 age- and gender- matched non-chewers as controls. Periodontal examination included recording of dental plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), attachment level (AL) and gingival recession (GR). Demographic data, oral hygiene practices, and duration, frequency and site of khat chewing were obtained using questionnaires. SPSS was used for data analysis. ANOVA and t- tests were used to compare groups.ResultsKhat chewers had significantly higher mean PI, AL, GR scores than non-chewers (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in the GI and PPD mean scores were observed between both groups (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the results showed that the chewing side had less PI, GI and PPD than non-chewing side. However, gingival recession was significantly higher in the chewing side. The duration of chewing showed a significant effect on PI, PPD, AL, and GR but had no effect on the gingival condition. Likewise, the frequency of chewing showed a significant effect on PPD, AL, and GR, but had no effect on other indices (PI and GI).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that khat chewing have a detrimental effect on the periodontium. Key words:Khat chewing, periodontal health, oral hygiene.

Is Khat (Catha edulis) chewing a risk factor for periodontal diseases? A systematic review

“…One study ( 15 ) reported that khat chewers had significantly better oral hygiene status and less gingivitis compared to non-chewers whereas one study ( 14 ) found no significant differences in PI and CI among chewers and non-chewers. In contrast, majority of the included studies ( 2 , 12 , 13 , 19 , 21 ) have reported that khat chewers had reportedly overall poorer oral hygiene status reflected by their plaque scores and calculus deposits compared to the non-chewers.…”

“…AL-Maweri and Al-Akhali ( 12 ) in their case-control study found that khat chewers had a higher overall mean plaque scores along with clinical attachment loss and gingival recession compared to non-chewers. However, it was observed that there were no significant differences in gingival index and probing pocket depth scores among the groups.…”

“…The characteristics of the included studies are summarized in Table 1 , Table 1 continue. With respect to the study design, seven studies were cross-sectional ( 2 , 11 , 13 , 14 , 19 - 21 ) and three were case-control ( 9 , 12 , 15 ).…”

“…Probing pocket depth (PPD) was reported in seven studies ( 2 , 9 , 11 - 13 , 19 , 21 ) and clinical attachment loss was reported in five studies ( 2 , 9 , 12 , 13 , 15 ). Three studies ( 12 , 14 , 15 ) assessed plaque index and gingival index was reported in three studies ( 9 , 12 , 15 ). Gingival recession was reported in two studies ( 9 , 21 ).…”

“…Some studies ( 2 , 9 , 12 ) reported less gingival inflammation and less plaque accumulation but higher attachment loss in the chewing sides compared to the non-chewing sides of khat chewers.…”