Abstract
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.
Highlights
Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic debilitating disease of the oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues
The condition is well recognized for its malignant potential and is associated with areca nut chewing, the main component of betel quid
An alkaloid found in the areca nut, promotes salivation, stains saliva red, and is a stimulant
Summary
Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic debilitating disease of the oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues (lamina propria and deeper connective tissues). Oral submucous fibrosis results in marked rigidity and an eventual inability to open the mouth. The buccal mucosa is the most commonly involved site, but any part of the oral cavity can be involved, even the pharynx. The condition is well recognized for its malignant potential and is associated with areca nut chewing, the main component of betel quid. It is similar to tobacco chewing in westernized societies. The mixture of this quid, or chew, is a combination of the areca nut (fruit of the Areca catechu palm tree, erroneously termed betel nut) and betel leaf (from the Piper betel, a pepper shrub), tobacco, slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), and catechu (extract of the Acacia catechu tree). An alkaloid found in the areca nut, promotes salivation, stains saliva red, and is a stimulant
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