Betel Nut Teeth: Supari, Paan and Gutka Stains and Harm

Chewed betel nut, paan and gutka hold stain against the enamel for long periods. Over time the teeth turn red-brown, brown or black, with a hard crust of tartar near the gums. Rough, chewed-on surfaces also wear the biting edges and can make teeth sensitive.

The gums suffer too: redness, bleeding and recession are common, and the habit often goes along with dry mouth and bad breath. See teeth stains for how surface and inside-the-tooth stains differ.

Areca nut is linked to oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), where the lining of the mouth becomes stiff and the mouth opens less and less. Burning with spicy food is an early warning sign. Read more in OSMF.

Betel nut, gutka and tobacco are also linked to mouth cancer, as described in smoking and mouth cancer. An ulcer, white or red patch or lump that has not healed in about two to three weeks needs checking by a dentist or doctor. Difficulty opening the mouth is a reason to be seen soon.

Surface stain and tartar come off with a professional scale and polish, as in what scaling involves, and the teeth cleaning cost page shows market ranges. Heavy, long-standing stain can take more than one visit, and some of it may have soaked into the enamel.

Whitening, covered in the whitening cost page, only helps once the habit has stopped, otherwise the colour returns. Browns and yellows are also discussed on the yellow teeth page.

Quitting is the single most useful step for the teeth, gums and mouth. Many people cut down gradually, replace the habit with sugar-free sticks or plain fennel or cardamom, and ask their doctor about support. Your dentist or doctor can help with quitting.

Have your mouth checked regularly if you have chewed these products for years, even when nothing hurts. Cosmetic repair of stained or worn teeth is covered on the smile design page, and dental fluorosis is a different cause of brown teeth worth ruling out.