Maté and its Effects on the Mouth

  • Sara Sehnem Cesumar
  • Vanessa Cristina Veltrini Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Keywords: The epidemiological profile of maté consumers, Brazil, answered a 12-question questionnaire

Abstract

The epidemiological profile of maté consumers, possible mouth repercussions and the etiological relationship between mouth cancer and maté are provided. Fifty maté consumers from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, answered a 12-question questionnaire, comprising data on water temperature, frequency and duration of intake, time of use, associated lesions, family history of mouth cancer, smoking, intake of other liquids at high temperatures and the knowledge of the interviewed person on possible mouth ailments by maté and awareness of other illness, among others. Results showed that most interviewed subjects started maté intake from childhood, on their own accord, and consumed it for at least 10 years, twice a day, for at least 30 minutes, at high temperature. Most consumers did not report any mouth lesions related to maté intake and only a small percentage showed a family history of mouth cancer. Few were aware of possible illnesses from maté intake. The surgeon dentist has an important role in the prevention of lesions related to the habit of taking maté since most consumers have never received any orientation on such an issue

Author Biographies

Sara Sehnem, Cesumar
Discente do curso de Odontologia do Centro Universitário de Maringá – Cesumar. E-mail: sarasehnem@yahoo.com.br
Vanessa Cristina Veltrini, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Doutora em Patologia Bucal pela Universidade de São Paulo – USPSP; Mestre em Diagnóstico Bucal pela Universidade de São Paulo – USP/Bauru; Docente do curso de Odontologia do Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR. E-mail: vanessaveltrini@gmail.com.
Published
2012-09-11
Section
Artigos Originais