EVALUATION OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OCCURRENCE OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS REFERRED TO DARBHANGA MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic progressive and irreversible disease affecting the oral, oropharyngeal, and sometimes the esophageal mucous. OSF is a disease that causes changes similar to those of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) but limited to oral tissues. The disease is seen in those from the Indian subcontinent and from many parts of South-East Asia. It causes significant morbidity (in terms of loss of mouth function as tissues become rigid and mouth opening becomes difficult) and mortality (when transformation into squamous cell carcinoma occurs). The introduction of chewing tobacco containing areca nut into the market has been associated with a sharp increase in the frequency of OSF. Hence based on above findings the present study was planned for Evaluation of Factors Responsible for the Occurrence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis in Patients Referred to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. The present study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital Laheriasarai, Darbhanga Bihar. In the present study 30 cases of the oral submucous fibrosis were enrolled. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious disease affecting any part of the oral cavity and sometimes the pharynx. Although, occasionally preceded by or associated with vesicle formation, it is always associated with a juxta-epithelial inflammatory reaction. It is important that preventive efforts be carried out by the concerned authorities and public health professionals in establishing tobacco cessation clinics and tobacco awareness education in such masses (especially the young generation) along with a long standing and a close knit motivation program that enables our future generations to come to avoid the menace of tobacco and its subsequent health effects. Keywords: Oral submucous fibrosis, OSF, oral cavity, Bihar.