Oral Submucous Fibrosis- An Overview

Oral submucous fibrosis is a one of the most common precancerous condition and is widely prevalent in the Indian sub continent. Oral submucous fibrosis is of particular interest to dentists since we are primarily concerned with orofacial structures . Etiopathogenesis is complex & is mainly associated with Areca nut chewing which results in progressive juxtaepithelial fibrosis of the oral soft tissues. It manifests as blanching and stiffness of the oral mucosa, trismus, burning sensation in the mouth, reduced mobility of the soft palate and tongue. The treatment of oral submucous fibrosis begins with cessation of habit then continuing with oral supplements like Iron & multivitamins followed by local submucosal injection of steroids , finally surgical excision of the fibrous bands.