Coca leaf chewing as a risk factor for oral health

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 biggest consumer of coca leaf. In addition, it was observed that coca leaf consumption does not produce dental wear, fracture or mobility; however, its consumption generates 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.