The Prevalence of Derum Use among Saudi Female and Its Effect on Gingival Tissue

The aims of this study are first to determine the prevalence of Derum users among Saudi female in age ranges 18-60 years, and second to evaluate the effect of use of Derum on gingival tissues. To achieve the first aim a 25 item questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 350 Saudi female in different provinces of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Abha, Jeddah, Hail, and Al-Jubail), where the respondents answered the questionnaire under direct supervision. Different items covers various habits in using Derum. The results of surveying showed that the percentage of Derum users was 31.9% and the highest percentage was among 25-39 years old. Riyadh area scored 20.6% of users, which was the highest among the provinces. There was difference in years spent in the use of Derum among Saudi females. While 65% of young women were using it regularly for 5-10 years, 53.7% of old women were using it irregularly for 11-20 years. On the other hand the result of the examination showed that the continuous use of Derum can cause gingival inflammation and recession but with no significant statistical differences between Derum users and non-users. Since Derum is a traditional and social habit in Saudi Arabia, it was found that its use is inversely proportioned to educational level. It is recommended that more studies should be done to include other areas of Saudi Arabia. It is suggested to increase the sample size in order to show any clinical effect of Derum on periodontium.