Prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis among habitual gutkha and areca nut chewer in Bihar population: A community-based research

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) among habitual gutkha, areca nut, and pan chewers of Bihar population. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted of 3000 adult patients aged over 15 years who visited the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Buddha Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital. They were subjected to a thorough oral examination, and the bindings were recorded in the prescribed WHO Pro forma. Results: Our study revealed that the prevalence of OSMF was 1.6%. The prevalence among males was 2.60% and among females was 0.16%. All the 243 cases (100%) were associated with areca nut habits. Conclusion: Educating the population about the deleterious effects of the practice of tobacco and related habits on the body in general and the oral cavity. It is hoped that this study would serve as a reference for further epidemiological studies on the abovementioned lesion in this region.