Dr. Mayank's Blog

By Dr. Mayank Chandrakar, Dental Surgeon (MDS, Public Health Dentistry) and Applied Epidemiologist Introduction In a fast-paced world where quick fixes and small indulgences seem harmless, few habits creep into daily life as quietly—and as dangerously—as chewing gutkha or pan masala. These colorful, aromatic pouches promise a burst of flavor, a sense of freshness, and a fleeting escape from stress. They are easy to carry, socially accepted in many settings, and often perceived as far less harmful than smoking. But beneath this sweet, spicy allure lies a slow, silent assault on your mouth. It often begins innocently. One pouch after meals. Another during a long commute. A third during moments of boredom or tension. Days turn into months, months into years. What started as a casual habit gradually becomes a dependency. And by the time the consequences become visible, the damage is often severe, irreversible, and sometimes life-threatening. Teeth become stained and worn down, gums start r...