[Coca leaf chewing as a risk factor for oral health].

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether coca leaf chewing is a risk factor for oral health.

Methods: Case-control study carried out in the Paucará health centre, Huancavelica 2019. The sample consisted of 200 participants, divided into two groups: 100 coca leaf users and 100 non-coca leaf users. To assess oral health, an instrument validated by five experts was used, where three items were evaluated: Temporomandibular joint, oral cavity and coca leaf chewing characteristics.

Results: In the population studied, it was identified that the female gender is the big-gest consumer of coca leaf. In addition, it was observed that coca leaf consumption does not produce dental wear, fracture or mobility; however, its consumption gene-rates alteration of the gum (OR:42.67). According to the evaluation of muscle pain, it was observed that coca leaf chewing significantly affected the right insertion masseter muscle, compared to those who did not consume it (OR:17.47). Moreover, it was found that altered jaw movements and joint noises in both groups were not associated with temporomandibular joint disturbance.

Conclusion: Coca leaf chewing significantly affects the gum and masseter muscle right Insertion compared to non-coca leaf chewers.