Work

Effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri Probiotics on Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Bleeding on Probing in Adolescents with Betel Quid Chewing Habit: Study in Children Aged 13–15 Years in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: increase the amount of saliva, and the addition of slaked lime can increase the pH of the oral cavity.These events are known to prevent caries, but on the other hand, they will favor the growth of bacteria associated with periodontal disease and calculus deposition.9 This IntroductIonBetel quid chewing is a hereditary custom practiced by more than 600 million people worldwide and has existed in Indonesia since the 6th century.It is done by combining areca nut (Areca catechu), betel inflorescence (Piper betle), and slaked lime (Calcium hydroxide), which is then consumed by chewing and placing it in the oral cavity for a while.[1][2][3] Indonesians commonly practice this habit in Kalimantan, Papua, Java, and Sumatra, and the highest prevalence of 17.7% is found in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).4,5 In Alor Regency, betel quid behavior is practiced by all levels of society and age groups, including women and children.Initially, this habit was carried out by imitating their parents and continued into adolescence and adulthood.1,4,5 Betel quid chewing is known to be the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance, after nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine, which can be addictive and a carcinogen.6 The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) revealed that betel quid, with or without tobacco additives, has been classified as a group I carcinogen in humans and increases the risk of oral cancer and pharyngeal cancer.3 Areca nut use is known to affect the oral cavity, such as changing the microbial flora in the oral cavity.7 Tannins, active ingredients of areca nut, have antimicrobial properties that can reduce cariogenic bacteria.8 Betel quid chewing process will

Source: International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-3411

Authors: Labiba Idzni Marjani, Margaretha Suharsini, Eva Fauziah

Institution: University of Indonesia

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Universitas Indonesia, Direktorat Riset and Pengembangan, Universitas Indonesia