If you are having difficulty opening your mouth, are feeling a burning session in your mouth, or are feeling rigid bands in your mouth, then you might be suffering from Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF or OSMF).
OSMF is a precancerous disorder and transforms into a malignant tumor in 1.5–15% of all cases.
Here’s all you need to know of Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF/OSMF).
Symptoms of OSMF?
- Burning sensation in the mouth
- Reduced mouth opening
- Rigid fibrous bands felt on the insides of the cheek
Causes Oral Submucous Fibrosis?
Chewing gutka, betel nut (chhaliya), supari, spicy food, smoking, and consuming alcohol cause OSMF. Symptoms include submucous fibrosis, ulceration, xerostomia, a burning sensation, and restricted mouth opening. Areca nut (betel nut) chewing is one of the most common causes of OMSF.
Betel nut contains tannins (11%–12%) and alkaloids such as arecoline, arecaidine, guvacine, and guvacoline (0.15%–0.67%). Out of all, arecoline is the main agent which stimulates fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.
Autoimmune etiological basis of disease with demonstration of various autoantibodies with a strong association with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigens.
Nutritional deficiency like Vit B complex, Iron deficiency is also an etiological factor in the progression of the disease.
Classification of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: By Passi D et al 2017
Use the following classification system to rate the size of your open mouth, this can easily help you understand the stage of OSMF you may be experiencing. The earlier you spot it, the sooner a qualified specialist can treat it.
Treatment of OSMF
The treatment of OSMF depends on the degree of disease progression and clinical involvement. At early stages, stopping habit and nutritional supplements are done.
These moderate stages, conservative treatment such as intralesional injections along with medical treatment is provided. At advanced stages, surgical interventions (nasolabial flap surgery) are needed. Low level laser therapy is the best treatment protocol in most of our cases.
How to get Oral Submucous Fibrosis treatment in Hyderabad?
At Project Smiles Dental, we, as well-trained professionals, offer effective Oral Submucous Fibrosis treatment in Hyderabad. With over 10 years of extensive experience, we provide humane and transparent care to diagnose and treat OSMF as effectively and quickly as possible.
Rajendran, R. (2004). Oral submucous fibrosis: Etiology, pathogenesis, and future research. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 82(2), 140-142.
This paper discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of OSMF, including restricted mouth opening.
Frequently Asked Questions Oral Submucous Fibrosis
This question addresses the basic definition of OSMF, its causes, and how it affects oral health.
This explains the link between OSMF and restricted mouth opening (trismus), focusing on fibrosis and tissue stiffness.
This covers symptoms like burning sensation, mouth ulcers, blanching of oral mucosa, and progressive difficulty in opening the mouth.
This provides information on diagnostic methods (clinical examination, biopsy) and treatment options (medications, physiotherapy, surgery).
This discusses preventive measures, such as avoiding betel nut, tobacco, and spicy foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
