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In Myanmar, Betel Quid Chewing Remains Popular Despite Risks

Dave Grunebaum

   YANGON, MYANMAR - Wai Htet Aung, age 27, waits for his turn at a
   crowded betel quid stand in downtown Yangon. Customers have lined up by
   the table to place their orders. "It's tasty," he says. "I have bad
   breath and I want my mouth to smell better."

   The signs of this popular habit are easy to spot from the roadside
   stands across the country to the red stains on teeth as well as on
   streets and sidewalks that stem from betel quid spit. "After I chew
   betel quids my mouth feels better," says Ko Zaw Naing. "My mind feels
   relaxed."

   Figures from the World Health Organization show that more than 60% of
   men in Myanmar chew betel quids and almost 25% of the women do. Aung
   Thura is 30-years-old and has been chewing betel quids for eight years.
   "It keeps me awake and keeps me from getting bored when I'm working,"
   he says.

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