Betel chewing and caries experience in New Guinea

Abstract

The prevalence of dental caries and variables relating to the betel-chewing habit were examined in a sample of 301 rural New Guineans aged 12--24 years. Consistent inverse associations were demonstrated between caries experience and the intensity of betel chewing for individuals and aggregates of subjects. The results indicate that betel chewing confers a degree of protection against caries.