The oral and dental effects of q'at chewing.

Author: Hill CM, Gibson A

Source:
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, 63(4), 433-436.
A survey of 121 male volunteers who were questioned regarding their attitudes to q'at (Khat or Catha edulis) is presented. This preceded a dental examination that revealed a low caries rate, an inverse relationship between periodontal pocket depth and the chewing side, and evidence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Keratosis of the buccal mucosa--probably related to q'at chewing--was also seen. No evidence has been found to suggest that q'at chewing has particularly detrimental oral or dental effects.