Gutka Chewing on Rise Among Children

Bangalore: There was a time when children eating too many chocolates used to be a major concern among parents. Times have changed profoundly; a six year old is diagnosed with fourth stage of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a disorder related to inflammation of tissues in the mouth. As informed by doctors, resulting from chewing tobacco for a long period of time. The situation has alarmed both the parents and doctor who witnessed this trend. This trend is setting among children at an unrepressed number these days as reported by TNN.

As per a Government of India survey, the age group that is affected by chewing tobacco or gutka had come down to 15 to 31 years on an average. This range is much lower than the earlier most addicted range of 45 to 54 in the country.                                                  

Over 5 percent of India’s population is severely affected by the use of tobacco Experts informed that chewing over 10 packets of gutka in a day for over five years is sufficient for the person to acquire OSMF.               

A recent meeting was held by the members of the Indian Dental Association and Indian Medical Association with Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar. The doctors informed that a memorandum has been submitted persuading CM to ban production, marketing and consumption of gutka in the state.

 The memorandum carries the signatures of thousands of dental and medical fraternity and it also has an annexure on the ill-effects of gutka products on the health of people who consume them.

Also Read: India, Lowest Consumer of Cigarettes Annually